The North-East Multimedia Campaign, popularly known as Red Fest 2026, was held at LPS Arena, Falkland with Mizoram Health and Family Welfare Minister Pi Lalrinpuii attending the programme as the Chief Guest. The event was jointly organised by the Mizoram State AIDS Control Society (MSACS) and the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO). Chief Secretary Pu Khilli Ram Meena chaired the programme, which saw the participation of officials, health experts, project directors, and youth representatives from across the eight North-Eastern states.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Lalrinpuii said that Red Fest is an important regional initiative aimed at strengthening awareness about HIV/AIDS, especially among young people. She said that the campaign focuses on educating the youth about the causes and prevention of HIV, encouraging healthy lifestyles, promoting risk-free behaviour, and ensuring that people living with HIV receive proper treatment and support. The Minister stressed that awareness remains the strongest tool in preventing the spread of HIV and that such regional programmes play a key role in reaching young audiences in an engaging manner.
She highlighted that stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV still exist in many parts of society, often discouraging individuals from seeking timely testing and treatment. Removing this stigma, she said, is as important as medical treatment itself. The Minister noted that the North-Eastern region continues to report some of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the country, making collective regional action necessary. She added that the participation of all eight North-Eastern states in the campaign shows the region’s shared commitment to tackling the problem together.
In her speech, Lalrinpuii also spoke about the importance of returning to the basic principles of HIV prevention, often described as the ABC approach. She explained that “A” stands for abstinence, which she described as the safest method of prevention; “B” stands for being loyal to a single partner; and “C” stands for the responsible use of condoms. According to her, these simple preventive measures, combined with awareness and regular testing, can significantly reduce the risk of infection. She said that the government and health agencies must continue working closely with communities, schools, and youth organisations to spread these messages in simple and practical ways.
Chief Secretary Pu Khilli Ram Meena, in his welcome address, said that despite improvements in treatment facilities and awareness programmes, stigma and discrimination still remain major barriers. He pointed out that many people hesitate to come forward for HIV testing or treatment due to fear of social judgement. He called for greater empathy, community support, and responsible public behaviour to ensure that people living with HIV can live with dignity and equal opportunity. According to him, awareness campaigns must focus not only on prevention but also on building a compassionate society that supports those affected.
During the programme, Pi K. Lalrinzuali, Commissioner and Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department, presented mementos to project directors of participating states and representatives of NACO in recognition of their contribution to the campaign. Officials from State AIDS Control Societies of all North-Eastern states attended the event, along with senior officers from NACO, including the Additional Secretary and Director General. The programme was also live-streamed through the MSACS YouTube channel, allowing wider public participation.
