Nagaland joined the nationwide movement against HIV and AIDS by hosting the Red Run 3.0 at the Agri. Expo, 4th Mile, Chümoukedima on 30th October 2025 organized under the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) in collaboration with the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) and the Department of Health & Family Welfare (H&FW) Government of Nagaland. The event began at 5:30 AM, witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, youth groups, health workers, and runners from across the state, symbolizing unity in the fight against HIV.
Commissioner & Secretary, H&FW and Chairman, NSACS, Anoop Khinchi, IAS, in his welcome address emphasized the importance of youth-led initiatives and collective efforts in promoting awareness on HIV and STIs during the Red Run 3.0 held in Nagaland.
Addressing participants at the event, Khinchi described the Red Run as “not just about running, but running with purpose” a celebration of energy, awareness, and unity in the fight against HIV and STIs. He underscored that the national marathon aims to break stigma, spread knowledge, and promote prevention, while also encouraging a healthy lifestyle and empowering youth across the country.
Being organized by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) in collaboration with State AIDS Control Societies (SACS), Red Run 3.0 witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, youth groups, government departments, police personnel, NGOs, and local communities. Khinchi lauded the growing involvement of young people in such movements, saying it reflects the nation’s collective resolve towards a healthier and more aware India.
He extended a warm welcome to V. Hekali Zhimomi, IAS, Additional Secretary & Director General, NACO, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, acknowledging her leadership and the organization’s continued support in making the event a success.
Khinchi also commended the Project Directors and officials from 34 States and Union Territories, noting that their participation symbolizes a unified national commitment to building a more informed and stigma-free society. “Today’s event is not just 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 remarked.
Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Nagaland, and Chairman of the Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) in his address extended warm greetings and best wishes from the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Dr. Neiphiu Rio.
Conveying the Chief Minister’s message, Metha informed that Rio was unable to attend due to an unavoidable commitment but had personally conveyed his appreciation to the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) and the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) for organizing the event in the state.
“It is my privilege and honour to share the greetings and best wishes of our Chief Minister with each and every one of you,” Metha said, expressing gratitude to NACO and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare for selecting Nagaland to host the third edition of the national event.
He extended special thanks to Dr. Hekali Zhimomi, IAS, Additional Secretary and Director General, NACO, for her personal initiative and leadership in bringing the event to Nagaland. Describing her as “our very own daughter of Nagaland,” Metha lauded Dr. Zhimomi as an inspirational figure and one of the state’s most accomplished bureaucrats serving the Government of India.
Welcoming participants from across the country, Metha highlighted Nagaland’s vibrant cultural diversity and hospitality. “We are indeed very happy and excited to host each and every one of you here in the land of festivals,” he said, encouraging guests to return and explore the state’s hills, villages, and unique tribal festivals, including the upcoming Hornbill Festival in December.
Addressing the athletes, Metha emphasized that they were not only sportsmen but also 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.
Underscoring the power of sports to unite people, Metha remarked, “Sport doesn’t know any language, caste, or background. The language of sport is universal, and the only route to success is hard work.” He urged young athletes to remain dedicated, saying, “In sport, there is no shortcut. Only merit, hard work, and perseverance lead to the podium.”
Celebrating the achievements of athletes from the Northeast, Metha cited examples of Indian sporting icons such as Mary Kom and Baichung Bhutia, while also highlighting Nagaland’s growing presence in national and international arenas across sports, music, and the arts.
Concluding his address, Metha said, “Today, Nagaland has become India — every state of the country is represented here. Each one of you is contributing to national progress, unity, and brotherhood. "Keep working hard and chasing your dreams.”
Delivering the keynote address, Hekali Zhimomi, IAS, Additional Secretary & Director General, NACO, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, underscored the vital role of young people in raising awareness about HIV and promoting overall health during an event organized under the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) initiative.
The programme, held as part of the Red Ribbon Club (RRC) activities, brought together students, youth groups, and health advocates from across the state to foster dialogue and action on HIV prevention and youth health empowerment.
Addressing the gathering, Zhimomi encouraged people to “speak out, spread awareness, and reach out to their peers,” emphasizing that empowering the youth with accurate knowledge and essential life skills enables them to make informed and healthy choices.
Highlighting India’s demographic strength, she noted that over 40% of the population is under the age of 29, making it imperative to ensure their well-being. “At NACO, we believe that young people are not just beneficiaries of health programmes but also advocates and leaders,” she said, urging them to take initiative in promoting HIV awareness and healthy lifestyles.
Citing the India HIV Estimates 2023, Hekali pointed out that around 2.5 million people in the country are currently living with HIV, including both adults and children. She voiced concern about rising substance use and unsafe relationships that heightened vulnerability to HIV infection.
She further called for an end to discrimination against people living with HIV, stressing that every individual deserves access to quality healthcare and to live with dignity.
Applauding the youth volunteers, she added, “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.”
The event with the overall participant was a total of 528 with 136 from 35 states and union territories of both men and women. While the winner of the men's category was bagged by Panchanan Bera from West Bengal, second by Rohan Kumar from Uttar Pradesh and third by Ramjan Ali from West Bengal. In the women's category, the first place was bagged by Anisha from uttarakhand, second by Pournami from Kerala and third by Pooja from Punjab.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Aku Sekhose, Project Director, NSACS.
(Limatoshi, IA Chumukidema)
