DOIMUKH, AUG 29:

The Red Ribbon Club and National Service Scheme (NSS) Unit of Government College Doimukh, in association with the Arunachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society (APSACS), organised the Red Run Mini Marathon 2026 on Saturday to promote awareness about HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among young people.

Held under the aegis of the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, the 5-km race was organised on the theme “Youth for HIV and STI”.

The event aimed to engage college students and members of Red Ribbon Clubs in disseminating information on HIV/AIDS, STIs, adolescent health and mental health through a competitive platform.

Red Ribbon Club Coordinator Dr Eva Dupak highlighted the importance of educating, testing and empowering young people to prevent HIV and STIs. She spoke about HIV and STI transmission, signs and symptoms, treatment and prevention, and stressed the role of youth in disseminating accurate information, dispelling misconceptions and promoting a more informed and compassionate attitude towards people living with HIV/AIDS.

Dr Dupak also highlighted the issue of social stigma associated with HIV/AIDS and drew attention to the prevalence of HIV in Arunachal Pradesh, with Papum Pare district recording the highest number of positive cases.

The race was flagged off by NSS Programme Officer Dr Dakli Lombi and witnessed enthusiastic participation from students and faculty members.

Tadar Kaya, a BA first-semester student of the Department of History, won the men’s category, while Sita Gama of BA fifth semester, Department of Geography, emerged winner in the women’s category.

Both winners were awarded certificates and cash prizes and will represent the college at the state-level competition.