Nagaland joined the nationwide movement against HIV and AIDS by hosting the Red Run 3.0 at Agri Expo, 4th Mile, Chümoukedima, on October 30. The event was organized by the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) in collaboration with the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) and the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Nagaland.
The marathon began at 5:30 am and saw enthusiastic participation from students, youth groups, health workers, police personnel, and runners from across the state, symbolizing unity in the fight against HIV.
Commissioner and Secretary of Health and Family Welfare and Chairman of NSACS, Anoop Khinchi, IAS, in his welcome address, stressed the importance of youth-led initiatives and collective efforts in promoting awareness on HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). “The Red Run is not just about running, but running with purpose,” Khinchi said, adding that the national marathon seeks to break stigma, spread knowledge, and promote prevention while encouraging a healthy lifestyle among young people.
He welcomed V Hekali Zhimomi, IAS, Additional Secretary and Director General of NACO, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, and commended her leadership and support for making the event possible. Khinchi also acknowledged the participation of project directors and officials from 34 states and union territories, noting that their presence reflected a unified national commitment to building an informed and stigma-free society.
“This event is not about medals or achievements, but about the conviction that knowledge and empathy are the strongest tools we have in building an AIDS-free India,” he stated.
Advisor to the Chief Minister of Nagaland and Chairman of the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), Abu Metha, conveyed greetings and best wishes from Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who was unable to attend due to an official commitment. Metha expressed gratitude to NACO and NSACS for bringing the event to Nagaland and extended special thanks to Dr Hekali Zhimomi for her “personal initiative and leadership.” Describing her as “our very own daughter of Nagaland,” he lauded her as one of the state’s most accomplished bureaucrats serving at the national level.
Welcoming participants from across India, Metha highlighted Nagaland’s cultural diversity and hospitality. “We are very happy to host you in the land of festivals,” he said, encouraging guests to explore the state’s hills, villages, and upcoming Hornbill Festival. Addressing the athletes, he reminded them that they were ambassadors of awareness in the fight against HIV/AIDS. “Through your participation, you are helping to carry the message of health, unity, and social responsibility,” he said.
He emphasized the unifying power of sports, remarking that “sport doesn’t know any language, caste, or background. The language of sport is universal, and the only route to success is hard work.” Citing Mary Kom and Baichung Bhutia as examples, he encouraged young athletes to continue pursuing excellence.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Hekali Zhimomi highlighted the crucial role of young people in promoting awareness about HIV and health. “Young people are not just beneficiaries of health programmes but also advocates and leaders,” she said, urging them to “speak out, spread awareness, and reach out to their peers.”
Citing the India HIV Estimates 2023, she noted that about 2.5 million people in India are living with HIV and called for ending discrimination and ensuring access to quality healthcare for all. “It is the responsibility of every student and institution to keep the flame of awareness alive — stay fit, stay healthy, and keep our young people safe,” she added.
A total of 528 participants joined the event, including 136 from 35 states and union territories. In the men’s category, Panchanan Bera from West Bengal secured first place, followed by Rohan Kumar from Uttar Pradesh and Ramjan Ali from West Bengal. In the women’s category, Anisha from Uttarakhand won first place, Pournami from Kerala finished second, and Pooja from Punjab placed third.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Aku Sekhose, Project Director, NSACS.
(With DIPR inputs)
