Shillong, Jun 14: Jaintia Eastern College in Khliehriat recently organised an event to raise awareness on the issue of HIV/AIDS and drug abuse in collaboration with the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS).
The event, the Red Ribbon Club (RRC) Youth Festival, was themed ‘Youth United Against HIV/AIDS and Drug Abuse: Act Now For a Safer Jaintia Hills’.
Additional Deputy Commissioner C Mawkon attended as chief guest, while District AIDS Control Officer Dr P Lamare was guest of honour.
Various programmes, including a marathon, drawing, quiz and debate competitions, were held to spread awareness on HIV/AIDS and the ill effects of drug addiction.
Mawkon appealed to the youth to remain disciplined and use their talent for good purposes. He also urged them to spread awareness to combat HIV/AIDS and to abstain from habits that lead to such consequences.
Dr Lamare informed that there are over 3,250 people in the high-risk category for HIV in the district, with 2,500 under medication and 2,153 having undergone testing.
She appealed to those affected to come forward, seek medication and learn about measures to control the spread.
