Nagaland conducts State Red Run 4.0 in Kohima to raise HIV awareness and select runners for nationals.
KOHIMA — The State Red Run 4.0, a 10-kilometre run organised by the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) was held at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima, on Thursday to promote awareness of HIV and sexually transmitted infections, encourage testing and treatment, and address stigma associated with the infections.
The route covered IG Stadium, High School, and Secretariat as the turning point, High School, and back to IG Stadium, Kohima.
In the women's category, Songmo P of Noklak district secured first position, followed by Cekrotalu Khusoh of Phek district in second and Shongsop P of Kohima district in third.
In the men's category, Takasanen Longkumer of Mokokchung district secured first position, followed by Temjensanen Pongen of Dimapur district in second and Renthungo Tsanglao of Wokha district in third.
The winners in both categories received cash prizes of INR 8,000, INR 5,000, and INR 3,000 for the first, second, and third positions, respectively.
Addressing the participants on the occasion, Commissioner and Secretary of Health and Family Welfare and Chairperson of NSACS, Kevelino Angami, said the run was aimed at creating awareness about HIV and sexually transmitted infections while mobilising collective efforts to achieve the state's HIV response targets.
She congratulated the district-level winners who participated in the state run and said the first and second position holders in the men's and women's categories would represent Nagaland at the National Red Run 4.0, scheduled to be held in Patna, Bihar, on November 3.
The official said the initiative was organised under the aegis of the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO). While the first and second editions were held in Goa, Nagaland hosted the third national edition last year, with Bihar set to host the fourth edition.
Highlighting the state's efforts towards achieving the 95-95-95 targets, she said the goal was to ensure that 95 per cent of people living with HIV knew their status, 95 per cent of those diagnosed received treatment, and 95 per cent of those receiving treatment achieved viral suppression.
She said the state was working towards achieving these targets across all 17 districts and attaining the "Surakshit" status by December 1, 2026, through the mobilisation initiative known as Mobilisation for AIDS Suraksha (MAS).
Earlier, Principal Director of Health and Family Welfare Dr. Keveduyi Theyo said all 17 districts of Nagaland had conducted district-level Red Run events during June and July this year, with the winners participating in the state-level event, with the exception of Shamator district.