Srinagar, Sep 21: As part of ongoing efforts of J&K AIDS Control Society (JKACS) in containing HIV/AIDS in Jammu and Kashmir, a five kilometres run for creating awareness on the syndrome and Sexually Transmitted Infection (STIs) was organized today in collaboration with Department of Students Welfare, University of Kashmir.

This activity forms part of the two month long Intensified IEC Campaign launched on 12th August 2024 all over the country for enhancing the knowledge and create awareness about HIV and STIs among the general masses.

The activity started with flagging off of 5 km running competition called ‘Red Run’ which began from Nishat Foreshore Road to Gandhi Bhawan, University of Kashmir and was inaugurated by Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Professor Nilofer Khan,  in presence of Dr. Abdul Rouf Bhat, Project Director, JKACS, Guests of Honour, Professor Seema Naaz, Nodal Principal, Colleges of Kashmir Division, Professor Naseer Iqbal, Registrar, University of Kashmir, Professor Shamim Ahmad Shah, Dean Students Welfare, Kashmir University, Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad Khan, Chief Proctor, Kashmir University, Dr. Manu Bhatnagar, Additional Director, I/c CST division, JKACS alongwith other officials from the collaborating departments.

The 5 km Red Run activity was followed by a 2 Km Walkathon activity which was inaugurated by Dr. Abdul Rouf Bhat, Project Director, JKACS, H&ME Department, J&K, in presence of other dignitaries. The technical staff from the Sports Department of University of Kashmir was also present in the event in which more than two hundred students including boys and girls from different colleges, NGO members and University Staff participated.

The whole event was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Shahid Ali Khan, Cultural Officer/ Nodal Officer Red Ribbon Club of DSW, University of Kashmir.

The winners of the Red Run were awarded by the Chief Guest alongwith other dignitaries present on the stage. The first position was bagged by Nusrat Jan in women’s category from Srinagar Women’s College, Zakura and Suhail Bashir in men’s category from Government Degree College, Bemina. These winners will further participate in the national level running competition to be organized by the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), MOH&FW, Government of India in the coming months.

Later, a felicitation function was held in which mementoes were presented to the dignitaries, nodal officers of the Red Ribbon Clubs and other concerned officials of the participating departments.