NSACS RED RUN: ‘Embark greater visibility for HIV & AIDS, drug abuse’

September 22, 2023 13 Views No Comment

Our Correspondent
Kohima | September 22

Under youth fest activity, the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) today conducted a state level marathon race (5 km) billed as ‘Red Run’ from PHQ Junction to Rüzhükhrie Government Higher Secondary School Ground, Kohima.

NSACS Project Director Dr Ahu Sekhose informed that Red Run marathon was organised in association with Kohima District Athletics Association as officiating partner and Kohima SP office for traffic management.

In Nagaland, the district level marathon was held in 12 districts on August 12 wherein 519 Red Ribbon Club students from different colleges, schools and technical institutes joined the same to mark International Youth Day. Sekhose said that 24 winners of the district marathon for both male and female categories joined the state level marathon race today.

The first and second winners of both male and female category (2 boys and 2 girls) will represent Nagaland state at the forthcoming National level marathon race at Goa on October 8.

Red Run promote healthy lifestyle
The Project Director said that the Red Run Marathon under youth fest activity is an initiative of National AIDS Control Organization aimed at engaging the youth in healthy lifestyle and physical activities “so that they can maintain healthy living and keep themselves free from not just lifestyle diseases but a engaging in behaviours which put them at risk of getting infected with HIV and other STIs.”

The aims and objectives of the campaign is to embark greater visibility for the issue of HIV & AIDS and drug abuse, encourage safe and responsible sexual behaviour among the youth, promote HIV & AIDS and STI related services and increase basic knowledge about HIV & AIDS.

‘Run towards future free HIV & AIDS’
S Tainiu Khiamniungan, additional secretary, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland administered pledge to the participants.

She called upon the participants to run towards a brighter future and a future free from HIV & AIDS.

The participants have taken pledge to create HIV awareness “among my peers, family members, and in my community, to educate myself and others about HIV prevention practices, and to protect myself and my loved ones from HIV.”

They also taken pledge to support those affected and infected by HIV with empathy, love, and a helping hand, breaking down the barriers of stigma and discrimination, to encourage and ensure regular HIV testing, to encourage and inspire those around “me to join the fight against HIV” and to carry the message of prevention beyond this marathon, making it an everyday commitment in their life.

With this pledge, they committed themselves to the cause of HIV awareness and prevention.

Tainiu fagged off the race and later handed over prize to the winners. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd position holders in both categories received Rs 8000, Rs 5000 and Rs 3000 respectively.

Vote of thanks was proposed by Metevinuo Sakhrie, Joint Secretary (IEC &MS) NSACS.

Winners
In the men’s category, the winners were—1st: Sangtsoi P, Fazl Ali College, Mokokchung (17:20:42); 2nd: Witangbo N Chewang, St Xavier’s College, Jalukie (17:47:00); and 3rd: Sha S, GHSS, Noklak (18:03:25). In the women’s category, the winners were—1st: Sungtiyala C Imchen, Jubilee Memorial College, Mokokchung (23:00:91); 2nd: Vemuzholu Keyho, Phek Government College (24:03:94); and 3rd: Sangmao T, GHSS, Noklak (24:16:28).