In collaboration with the Red Ribbon Club (RRC) of Wangkhao Government College (WGC), DISHA Mon observed International Youth Day 2026 and launched an Intensified Information Education Communication (IEC) Campaign at the auditorium of Wangkhao Government College on 12th August 2026.
The programme was organized under the theme “Different Context, Common Aspirations” and was supported by the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS). The event brought together students, youth representatives, health personnel and community stakeholders to promote awareness on HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), while highlighting the important role of young people in building healthier and more resilient communities.
The speech-cum-launching of the Intensified IEC Campaign was delivered by Dr Supongmenla Walling, CMO, Mon. Speaking on the theme, Dr Walling reflected on the different circumstances in which young people live, noting that youth from urban, rural, developed and developing settings may face different challenges while sharing common aspirations.
She identified dignity, opportunities, participation, quality education, appropriate employment and a sustainable future among the aspirations shared by young people across different contexts. She further encouraged youth to move beyond being passive recipients and to step forward as resilient leaders capable of addressing local challenges and contributing to positive change.
“You are the engines of change,” Dr Walling emphasized in her concluding message, urging young people to consider the role they want to play in shaping the future.
Delivering the keynote address, Longyim Tzudir, DPO, DISHA, emphasized that young people are not merely beneficiaries of development but can be active agents of change. He called upon youth to participate meaningfully in addressing community challenges and to contribute to efforts aimed at HIV prevention, awareness and access to treatment.
The keynote address also highlighted the importance of sustained community mobilization and continued efforts to improve HIV testing, treatment and awareness. Tzudir encouraged young people to take advantage of available programmes and activities and to support collective efforts to strengthen the community response to HIV/AIDS.
As part of the intensified campaign, awareness activities are planned over the campaign period, including village-level meetings, college-based awareness programmes, activities involving district health institutions and other IEC and outreach initiatives.
The programme was chaired by Nutsulu Dawhuo, Nodal Officer, RRC, WGC. The program began with an invocation by Changyong K, EU President, WGC, followed by a solo song presented by Nyeiwang K. A session on the routes of HIV/STI transmission was conducted by Ngamnyei K, Counsellor, M. ICTC, providing participants with information on prevention and awareness. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Esther P Konyak, Vice Principal, Wangkhao Government College.
After the formal event, HIV and STI testing services were provided by the Mobile ICTC team, enabling participants to access testing and related services as part of the awareness and prevention initiative.
The observance reaffirmed the importance of placing young people at the centre of awareness, prevention and community action, while strengthening collective efforts towards a healthier, informed and sustainable future.
(M Pelih, IA Mon)
