Students during the rally held in Mon with the messages on HIV and STI prevention, care, and the route of transmission.
Mon, August 12 (MExN): International Youth Day was observed in Mon by the District Integrated Strategy for HIV and AIDS (DISHA) in collaboration with the Red Ribbon Club of Govt Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Mon, and supported by NSACS. The event, held under the theme “Local Youth Action for SDGs: Preventing HIV & Promoting Health.”
In his keynote speech, Longyim, DPO of DISHA, highlighted that the initiative has been organised for several years to educate youth at the local level about the value of their involvement and how they are the change agent and solution, stated a press release.
He emphasised that the program’s alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) remains crucial today, stressing that young people’s behaviours determine the goals for HIV and AIDS prevention and health promotion.
He also explained the 95-95-95 Target, which refers to the goals set by the UNAIDS to combat HIV and AIDS. It aims for 95% of people living with HIV to know their HIV status, 95% of those diagnosed to be on antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 95% of those on ART to have suppressed viral load. “This target is part of Sustainable Development Goal 3, which focuses on good health and well-being,” Longyim stated.
He highlighted that since no cure or vaccine exists yet for HIV and AIDS, the most effective approach remains to raise awareness and educate people on how to avoid contracting the disease.
He exhorted the gathering “to serve as a conduit for knowledge and to raise as much awareness as they can for the people of the community.”
Chief Medical Officer, Dr Supongmenla emphasised that her message centered on health, stating ‘being healthy is not just the absence of illness—it means being physically, mentally, and socially healthy.’
She highlighted “education” as a critical pillar of well-being, stressing “health and education are deeply interconnected.” She said that education equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions in all areas of life, underscoring its role in fostering long-term health.
Therefore, she urged the GHSS students to pursue excellence in all areas of their lives by maintaining good health and education.
Earlier, invocation was said by Hongben Konyak, Associate Pastor Youth, KBCM. Ngamnyei Konyak, Counsellor M. ICTC, described the HIV transmission route. The programme was chaired by Longthrang Konyak DIS, DISHA.
After the event, students carrying placards with messages on HIV and STI prevention, care, and the route of transmission joined the motorcyclists in a large rally. Ngipai Konyak, Nodal Officer, RRC, GHSS concluded with the closing remarks.
