On August 20, 2024, the Meghalaya Aids Control Society, under the aegis of the National Aids Control Organisation, organized the Red Ribbon Youth Festival at the U Soso Tham Auditorium. As part of the programme, Jazinia Buam and Effie Mawlong participated in an Inter College Debate Competition on the theme “This House believes that stigma surrounding HIV testing is a major barrier to people knowing their HIV status and must be actively addressed.” Additionally, three students from the college showcased their talents in a segment titled “Express Yourself”: Jazinia Buam showcased her violin skills, Bethelbeth Kharkamni presented a narrative about HIV, and Effie Mawlong entertained the audience with humor.

HIV and AIDS is one of the major health issue on earth, having claimed 36.3 million lives. It was estimated that 37.7 million people worldwide are living with HIV. Adolescents amount about 5% of people living with this virus. In view of this, National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) IV, wants to reduce new infections by 60% and to provide treatment, support and comprehensive care to people living with HIV/AIDS. The aim of NACP is to promote RED Ribbon Club in educational institutions to help spread awareness.

The Red Ribbon Club is supported by Meghalaya AIDS Control Society to organise various programmes in the College campus to make students fully aware of the stigma that is being associated with the virus. The focus is to make students join hands and help to create an understanding that there is a need for the infected people to come out to the open and get the necessary help and support.

ACTIVITIES

1. Display of posters in the College.
2. Painting competition, Signature campaign, Essay competition.
3. Celebration of World Aids Day (1^st December), World Blood Donor Day (14^th June)