PASIGHAT, Aug 28: The Red Ribbon Club and NSS Unit of Jawaharlal Nehru College (JNC), Pasighat, in association with the Arunachal Pradesh AIDS Control Society (APSACS), organised the Red Run Mini Marathon 2026 at the college on Friday to promote awareness about HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among young people.
The event was organised under the theme “Youth for HIV and STI”, alongside similar programmes held at higher education institutions across Arunachal Pradesh, with emphasis on HIV/STI awareness, testing, prevention and the need to address stigma and discrimination.
More than 50 students from various departments participated in the marathon, which was flagged off by JNC Principal Dr Gindu Borang in the presence of Vice Principal Dr Leki Sitang, former Red Ribbon Club Coordinator Dr Kento Kadu, NSS Programme Officer Yumi Nyori and faculty members.
Addressing the participants, Dr Borang urged the youth to remain vigilant and well-informed about HIV and STIs. He said young people have an important role in spreading awareness, preventing infections and combating the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS. He called upon the students to act as responsible ambassadors of accurate health information and contribute to building a more informed and supportive society.
Dr Sitang stressed the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding harmful practices, urging students to adopt healthy habits and take responsibility for their physical and mental well-being.
Red Ribbon Club Coordinator Dr Leki Wangchu highlighted the growing concern over STIs and noted that more than one million curable STIs are acquired globally every day. He stressed the need for greater awareness about infections transmitted through sexual contact and the importance of preventive measures.
As part of the awareness programme, Kenmar Lollen, a BSc V Semester student of the Department of Zoology, spoke about HIV cases in Arunachal Pradesh and East Siang based on the latest APSACS data and discussed the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. Iyang Miyu, also a BSc V Sem student, highlighted the role of youth in combating stigma and discrimination by disseminating correct information about HIV/AIDS.
In the marathon, Okenmang Lego, BA I Semester, secured the first position in the boys’ category, while Albina Doley, BA V Semester, emerged winner in the girls’ category. The winners were presented medals and certificates.