PASIGHAT, 28 Aug: The Red Ribbon Club and NSS Cell of Jawaharlal Nehru College (JNC) here in East Siang district, in association with the Arunachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society (APSACS), organised a 'Red Run' mini marathon at the college on Friday.
The event was organised under the theme 'Youth for HIV and STI', emphasising the importance of awareness, testing and prevention of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among youths.
More than 50 students from various departments participated in the event. The marathon was flagged off by JNV Principal Dr Gindu Borang, in the presence of Vice Principal Dr Leki Sitang, Dr Kento Kadu, former coordinator of the Red Ribbon Club Yumi Nyori, the NSS programme officer, and faculty members.
Addressing the participants, Dr Borang urged the youths to remain vigilant and well-informed about HIV and STIs. He emphasised that young people have an important role in creating awareness, preventing the spread of infections and combating the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS. He called upon the students to become responsible ambassadors of correct health information and contribute towards building a more informed and supportive society.
Vice Principal Dr Sitang stressed the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding harmful practices. He encouraged the students to adopt healthy habits and take personal responsibility for their physical and mental well-being.
Red Ribbon Club coordinator Dr Leki Wangchu highlighted the growing concern over STIs, stating that more than one million curable STIs are acquired globally every day. He also emphasised the need for greater awareness about various infections that can be transmitted through sexual contact, and the importance of prevention.
As part of the awareness programme, BSc fifth-semester (zoology) student Kenmar Lollen spoke on HIV cases in Arunachal Pradesh and East Siang, based on the latest APSACS data, and the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS.
BSc fifth-semester student Iyang Miyu highlighted the role of youths in combating stigma and discrimination by spreading correct information about HIV/AIDS.
In the marathon, Okenmang Lego (BA first semester) emerged the winner in the boys' category, while Albina Doley (BA fifth semester) won in the girls' category. The winners were awarded medals and certificates. (DIPRO)
