Red Run held in Kohima to raise awareness on HIV

KOHIMA — In an effort to raise awareness about Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) organized a Red Run at Indira Gandhi Stadium (IGS), Kohima, on Thursday.

S Tainiu, Additional Secretary of Health and Family Welfare, the special guest for the event, administered the pledge to create HIV awareness to the participants and flagged off the run.

During the prize distribution ceremony, Tainiu expressed her delight in being part of the event, congratulating both the participants and the winners. She noted that the run served a special purpose, going beyond fitness or participation, to raise awareness about the harmful effects of HIV and its prevention, both in the state and nationwide.

The additional secretary informed the participants that the Red Run, organised by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) since 2023, has proven to be an effective means of raising awareness, with many youths participating and drawing inspiration from it.

She urged the participants, particularly the youth, to make the most of their prime years by doing good for themselves, the society and state, emphasising that life is brief but impactful.

She pointed out that major HIV transmission routes include uncontrolled lifestyles and behaviours, sharing of syringes, mother-to-child transmission, and unsafe blood products. She stressed the importance of raising awareness and fostering collective efforts to create a better world.

Highlighting the significant impact HIV has on individuals, families, and society, Tainiu underlined the necessity of creating awareness for a healthier world.

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Dr. Ahu Sekhose, Project Director of NSACS, encouraged participants to act as agents of change in their respective communities.

Metevinuo Sakhrie, Joint Director (IEC and MS) of NSACS, informed that 53 runners from various districts across the state participated in the Red Run, with about 25 participants visiting Kohima for the first time. Additionally, around 200 runners took part in the general category, with participants ranging from 9 to 50 years old.