Una runs for AIDS awareness

Una, August 23

Students representing eight government colleges of the district participated in the Red Run Marathon to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. Una DC Jatin Lal flagged off the run from Rampur village on the outskirts of Una city.

During the 5-km marathon, participants crossed the Swan bridge to reach the Haroli segment in Samnal village, from where they returned to the starting point.

Speaking on the occasion, the DC said HIV was a contagious disease and that spread through a virus that could travel from one individual to another by various routes.

People needed to be aware of the modes of transmission of the virus to prevent its spread in the community, he added.

Lal said intravenous drug users sharing same needles and those practicing unsafe sex were vulnerable the disease, which caused loss of immunity in the body, ultimately leading to a shortened life span.

He called upon the youth to keep a distance from drugs and alcohol abuse.

He said the Health Department (Una) had launched an awareness campaign on HIV/AIDS, which would continue till October 12.

Red Ribbon Clubs from government colleges in Una, Bangana, Beetan, Amb, Daulatpur Chowk, Haroli Chowki Maniar and Khad participated in the event. Twenty-four boys and 22 girls took part in the event.