The North-East Multimedia Campaign, known as Red Fest, was organized collaboratively by the Mizoram State AIDS Control Society (MSACS) and the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) at LPS Arena, Falkland. The event took place on a Friday and was attended by key dignitaries, including Minister for Health and Family Welfare Lalrinpuii, who served as the chief guest. In her address, Minister Lalrinpuii underscored the campaign’s vital role in raising awareness about HIV/AIDS in the region, with a particular focus on educating young people, promoting healthy lifestyles, and reducing stigma associated with the illness.
The Minister highlighted the alarming HIV prevalence rates in the North-Eastern states of India and reiterated the importance of returning to foundational HIV prevention strategies encapsulated in the ABC approach: A for abstinence, B for fidelity to a single partner, and C for responsible condom usage. She expressed optimism that through concerted efforts, the goal of managing HIV/AIDS effectively in the region could be accomplished. Minister Lalrinpuii also acknowledged the hard work of Project Directors and campaign organizers, thanking them for their commitment.
Chief Secretary Khilli Ram Meena, during his welcome remarks, pointed out that stigma and discrimination remain significant obstacles that discourage individuals from seeking HIV testing and treatment. He emphasized the necessity for collective accountability, empathy, and education to cultivate an environment where those living with HIV can enjoy dignity and equal opportunities. K. Lalrinzuali, Commissioner and Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department, presented mementos to Project Directors and NACO representatives. The Red Fest has been an annual initiative since 2018, with Mizoram hosting this year’s event, which included participation from Project Directors and officials across multiple states, as well as senior officials from NACO. The program was broadcast live on the MSACS YouTube channel.
The primary focus of the Northeast Red Fest is youth education regarding HIV/AIDS. The event featured various awareness activities, leveraging music and multimedia to engage participants from all eight North-Eastern states: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura. Each participating state set up exhibition stalls to display educational materials about HIV awareness. The campaign also included intensive preventive education targeting young individuals and featured musical performances, alongside cultural presentations showcasing the diverse traditions of the North-East.
