Winners of the National Red Run Daniel Wahlang and Skhemlang Suba were felicitated today by the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS) in collaboration with the Directorate of Information and Public Relations.
Wahlang and Suba participated in the National Red Run 2.0 organised by the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) in Goa on January 18.
Both winners were given cash prizes of Rs15,000 each by MACS in the presence of Dr. W.B. Langstieh (Project Director, MACS), Larina Nongpiur (Assistant Director, Youth/MACS), and other attendees.
Dr. Langstieh expressed pride in the fact that the youths secured second and third place, respectively, in the event. He highlighted that approximately 21 per cent of the female population and 30 per cent of the male population in the country are affected by HIV.. He noted that various diseases can result from individual lifestyle choices, with HIV being one of them.
He emphasised the importance of youth understanding the fundamental information about HIV and AIDS, as well as the services available to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, including the significance of practicing safe sex.
He also mentioned that MACS has conducted numerous programs, including the Red Ribbon Festival, to raise awareness.
