A state level “youth fest red ribbon quiz competition” was organised by the by Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) under the aegis of National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) on October 27 at 2k Hotel, Kohima.
A press release by NSACS stated that the quiz, organised for the students of 8th, 9th and 11th classes, was participated by 12 teams from 12 districts of Nagaland. NSACS stated the following as the objectives of the competition – to provide comprehensive knowledge on HIV and AIDS, and STI and RTI; provide interactive platform for information exchange on issues related to health and wellbeing; to remove social taboos and myths; to discuss reproductive health issues; to provide knowledge on diet and nutrition, sanitation and hygiene; and to reduce stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV.
During the event, NSACS project director, Dr. Ahu Sekhose encouraged the students to be the agents of change and be responsible to impart HIV and AIDS information amongst their peers. In a key note address, joint director (IEC & MS) NSACS, Metevinuo Sakhrie said the quiz competition was a part of the Youth Fest which was an ongoing event all over India. She encouraged the students to create awareness and to have correct and full information about HIV to remain HIV free.
The program was moderated by NSCAS assistant director (youth affairs), NSACS, Puthenhenmei; Yintolungbe Rangkau and Ihungzeule of Baptist Higher Secondary School, Peren, Aldrin Lerthankhum Zote and Cheliso U Khutsoh of Mezhur Higher Secondary School, Kohima, and Mangbo Konyak and Pinlong of Konjong Higher Secondary School, Mon bagged the first, second and third positions respectively. NSACS informed that the 1st position winners would be representing Nagaland State at the regional level red ribbon quiz competition in Guwahati.