Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) has on Monday declared the winners of the National Youth Day 2024 Comic Art Competition on HIV/AIDS. The National Youth Day is celebrated on 12th January on the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.

The digital art competition organised by NSACS was open to participants in the age group of 14 to 24.

Azhebo K Wotsa from Zunheboto district has won the first prize and will get an award of Rs 20,000 for his comic art on the theme ‘Importance of HIV testing’.

Methshing Phom from Longleng district has won the second prize of Rs 15,000, while Tisaunep Aier from Mokokchung district and Horngachan Shadang from Phek district have won the third prizes that carry Rs 10,000 each.

The winners of the six consolation prizes that comes with an award of Rs 2,500 each are: Neiketouzo Keyho (Kohima), Supolepden Kichu (Kohima), Raninlungle Newme (Peren), Pongloi Konyak (Mon), Nimreirin Woleng (Dimapur) and Bendangakum (Kohima).

NSACS had provided eight themes: routes of HIV transmission; HIV prevention strategies; Myths and misconceptions about HIV/AIDS; Overcoming stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS; Importance of HIV testing; Importance of HIV treatment; Condom promotion; Promotion of national toll free helpline no 1097.

While congratulating all the winners, Nagaland State AIDS Control Society informed that the winners will be personally contacted by the NSACS office for the prize money.