Shillong Nov 12: The 3rd edition of the Shillong Endurance Motorsports Challenge this year will be a platform to spread awareness on prevention of HIV/AIDS and fight against stigma and discrimination.
The event will also attract motorsports enthusiasts from across the North Eastern region being organized by the Shillong Endurance Motorsports Club (SEMC) in collaboration with the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS).
The motorsports challenge will be held at ïew-Shillong, Umtyngar from November 14 to 16.
SEMC general secretary, Vicky Kharkongor said that this year’s theme for the motorsports event is “get yourself tested and know your statusâ€.
“We are bringing a social angle to this platform by creating more awareness on HIV/AIDS among the youths,†he said.
Assistant director of IEC MACS, W Alexander Kharkongor said the awareness programme aimed at encouraging people to get tested for HIV. “It is to ensure that early treatment is given to those who are tested HIV positive,†he said.
On the other hand, SEMC executive member Barry Leslee Kharmalki said that the event is also aimed to help youth know their status besides fighting against stigma and discrimination.
According to him, Meghalaya is still being a state living in big denial as only 2 lakh people have got themselves tested for HIV/AIDS. He said of this, 4,459 people are HIV infected (statistics from 2007 till date).
Stating that living with HIV is normal and people can be made aware on the modes of transmission and prevention, Kharmalki said, “The antiretroviral therapy (ART) reduces a person’s viral load (HIV RNA) to an undetectable level.â€