Mysuru

A number of young Mysoreans hit the streets on Monday morning carrying the message of AIDS prevention and control focusing youth.

Following an advisory from National Aids Control Organisation (NACO), which identifies persons between 18 years and 35 years of age as a key focus for HIV preventive efforts, District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit in association with Maharani’s Arts College for Women and NSS Units, organised a run under the banner of HIV Awareness Drive-2026 on Monday.

Rajendra, Assistant Police Commissioner, Devaraj Sub division, Mysuru flagged off the run around 7 a.m. on the premises of Maharani’s Arts College for Women located in JLB Road. Around 65 boys and girls from Maharani’s College, Maharaja’s College, Teresian College, Yuvaraja’s College, JSS College and institutions in T. Narasipura taluk took part in this youth mobilisation programme.

While covering a distance of 5 km, participants ran through the streets near old DC office, court complex, Brand factory, Ballal Circle, RTO Circle, Ramaswamy Circle before returning to the starting point.

The event concluded with the distribution of prizes to the winners, who will take part in the upcoming State-level AIDS awareness programme scheduled to be held in Davangere on October 17.

As part of mobilisation for AIDS Suraksha programme, a series of activities, including a bike rally, quiz contest, runs have been conducted in educational institutions from August 12 which is observed as International Youth Day.

District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit has identified 65 colleges in district and established Red Ribbon Club to sensitise the students. With 2030 set as the target year for eliminating HIV, the focus has been on preventive measures, screening and risk assessment.

With the support of District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit, Sneha Clinic has been set up in high schools and PU Colleges to educate the adolescent students. Information on preventive measures, needle prick, safe sex have been imparted to students during discussion held on every Thursday, said B. Brunda, District AIDS Prevention and Control Officer.

NACO has introduced a QR code to help people for self assessment, risk assessment and to find nearby HIV monitoring centre. Youth can access the service independently while maintaining their privacy. They can also call HIV toll free number 1097 for assistance, said medical consultant.

Dr. B. Brunda, District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit Officer, M.S. Anitha, principal, Maharani’s Arts College for Women, Bhaskar, physical education director, Lingaraju, officer of NSS Unit, Vijayalakshmi, officer of NSS Unit of Maharani’s Arts College for Women were present during the Marathon event.