The District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit observed the International Youth Day marathon race 5KM under the theme "Youth for HIV/ AIDS" on 12th August 2023 at 2nd traffic point DC’s office junction, Zunheboto.

District Programme Officer CMO (DAPCU), Hokishe Chophy who chaired the programme told the participants that the race is not about winning but about participating and that by participating every runner has become an ambassador of HIV/AIDS. He encouraged them to make people around them aware of the deadly disease.

           Superintendent of Police Zunheboto, Vishal, IPS who flagged of the marathon race in his speech thanked the organizers for organising such a program saying nothing is better than a healthy person. 'Marathon is about endurance' said the SP, it is about making a commitment. He told the runners that they have gathered not only to be a winner but as a united force with a common goal and the goal is to raise awareness and tackling the pressing issue of HIV/AIDS especially amongst the youth. He further reminded the youth that every step, every stride carries a powerful message of hope and determination and that the collective efforts can shutter stigmas, break down barriers and empower a generation to make a firm choices that protect their health. He also reminded the youth that they are the brand ambassador and that one person should at least make three people aware of HIV/AIDS and make the world HIV/AIDS free.

         In the men’s category, Avika, Khochileto and Yepeto came in first, second and third respectively and in women's section, Bovitoli, Tonilo and Atheli won the first second and third place respectively. All the winners, both men and women, were from Zunheboto government college.

(Atobo H Yeptho, IA Zunheboto)