follow us:
Mizoram, a northeastern state in India, has reported 29,514 HIV-positive cases since 1990, marking it as the region with the highest HIV prevalence in the country.
Mizoram, a northeastern state in India, has reported 29,514 HIV-positive cases since 1990, marking it as the region with the highest HIV prevalence in the country. According to the National AIDS Control Organization’s (NACO) estimates for 2023, Mizoram’s adult HIV prevalence rate is 2.73%, notably higher than the national average of 0.2%. This high rate is partly due to Mizoram reaching its peak HIV levels later than other states; while other states peaked by 2005, Mizoram’s peak occurred in 2017. Since then, new HIV cases have been on the decline.
Currently, there are 16,217 people living with HIV (PLHIV) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Mizoram. To combat the spread of HIV/AIDS, Chief Minister Lalduhoma recently launched the Intensified IEC Campaign, “India’s Fight Against HIV & STI for Mizoram,” which is being conducted across all 11 districts. The campaign aims to enhance awareness and involvement from churches, NGOs, and the public.
The state has documented 5,021 AIDS-related deaths since 2005. Efforts are also focused on preventing mother-to-child transmission, with only two out of 120 HIV-positive pregnant women’s babies testing positive last year. The Deputy Commissioner of Serchhip District, Paul L. Khuma, emphasized the importance of vigilance, safe behaviors, and community awareness to combat HIV/AIDS effectively.
Mizoram’s challenges are compounded by drug smuggling from Myanmar, with law enforcement agencies frequently seizing heroin and methamphetamine. The state shares extensive borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh, complicating efforts to curb drug trafficking.
