Aizawl, Feb 6 : The North-East Multimedia Campaign (Red Fest), jointly organised by the Mizoram State AIDS Control Society (MSACS) and the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), was held today at LPS Arena, Falkland. The programme was attended by Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Lalrinpuii, as Chief Guest, and was chaired by Chief Secretary Khilli Ram Meena.
Minister Lalrinpuii, in her address as Chief Guest at the North-East Multimedia Campaign (Red Fest), emphasised that the initiative is a significant step toward generating awareness on HIV/AIDS across the region. She stated that the campaign aims to educate young people about HIV/AIDS, promote healthy lifestyles and HIV risk-free behaviour, ensure easy access to treatment for those affected, and eliminate the stigma associated with the illness. Highlighting the importance of prevention, the Minister reiterated the need to return to the basic principles of HIV prevention through the ABC approach A for abstinence which is the best method, B for being loyal to a single partner, and C for responsible use of condoms.
The Minister expressed concern that the North-Eastern sister states continue to record the highest HIV prevalence in the country. She noted that the collective effort of the region demonstrates a shared commitment to combating the further spread of HIV. She added that with sustained hope, unity, and commitment, the goal of controlling HIV/AIDS in the region is achievable. In conclusion, the Minister conveyed her appreciation to all Project Directors and organisers for their dedication and hard work in making the campaign successful.
Chief Secretary Khilli Ram Meena in his welcome address highlighted that discrimination and stigma remain major barriers preventing people from coming forward for HIV testing and treatment. He stated that collective responsibility, empathy, and awareness are essential to building a society where those living with HIV can live with dignity, confidence, and equal opportunity.
K. Lalrinzuali, Commissioner & Secretary, Health & Family Welfare Department, presented mementos to the Project Directors of other states and representatives from NACO.
The Multi-Media Campaign (Red Fest) has been organised since 2018, with the first edition held in Nagaland, and has since been hosted annually by different states. This year marks Mizoram’s turn to host the event. Project Directors and officials from State AIDS Control Societies across the states participated, along with the Additional Secretary & Director General and senior officials from NACO. The programme was also live-streamed on the MSACS YouTube channel.
The primary objective of the North East Red Fest is to educate youth about HIV/AIDS. Awareness activities through music and multimedia were conducted with participation from all eight North-Eastern states: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura. Exhibition stalls were set up by participating states where State AIDS Control Societies showcased educational materials related to HIV awareness. The event featured intensive awareness and preventive education targeting young people, alongside musical performances by artists from across the North East. Cultural presentations highlighting the diverse traditions of the region were also part of the programme.
