Mizoram is currently grappling with a rise in the prevalence of Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Reportedly, the North-Eastern state is has reported the highest HIV prevalence rate in India at 2.73 percent, significantly surpassing the national average of 0.2 percent.
On Monday, State Health Minister Lalrinpuii expressed concern over the situation and urged lawmakers to take stronger measures to combat the epidemic. She also necessitated urgent measures to tackle the incidences of HIV.
During a meeting of the Mizoram Legislative Forum on AIDS, held at the I&PR conference hall in Aizawl, Mizoram state AIDS Control Society (MSACS) Project Director Dr. Jane R. Ralte gave a comprehensive update on the state’s HIV situation.
Dr. Ralte revealed that 32,287 individuals in Mizoram have tested positive for HIV, with 5,511 reported deaths, as of January 2025. Between April 2024 and Jan 2025 alone, 1,769 new cases have been detected, North East Now reported.
Dr. Ralte highlighted that 67% of the new infections were attributed to unprotected sexual activity, while 30.44% were linked to the use of unsterilized syringes.
However, he also maintained that the state has started to see some encouraging trends, with a decrease in new infections and a notable drop in HIV-related deaths. Meanwhile, the state health minister maintained that regular blood testing and adherence to ART medication is important. Moreover, she also emphasised on the efficient use of drop-in centres to provide support to those living with HIV.
The NorthEast Now report also highlighted that the state legislators agreed to allocate Rs 50,000 each from their MLA funds for 2024-25. These funds will be directed to MSACS to ensure uninterrupted access to ART treatment for HIV-positive individuals.
On Tuesday, Health Ministry issued a statement highlighting the introduction of HIV self-testing (HIVST) has emerged as a revolutionary approach, offering a more private, convenient, and effective means of diagnosis.
How can HIV-self testing help?
Health Ministry maintained that self-testing allows individuals to test themselves in the privacy of their homes using easy-to-use kits. “These kits typically involve collecting a saliva or blood sample and obtaining results within minutes. This approach has been successfully implemented in several countries, and its introduction in Mizoram has sparked hope in the fight against HIV,” the Ministry stated.
The benefits of HIV self-testing include tackling stigma and empowering people to take proactive steps in managing their health by visiting a healthcare professional once they detect a positive result. Additionally, HIVST bridges the logistical gap by bringing testing to people’s homes, ensuring that even those in the most remote locations can test themselves without traveling long distances, the Ministry stated.
The government has been actively working to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic through various initiatives, it added.
How does HIV spreads?
HIV is primarily transmitted through the bodily fluids of an infected person, such as:
- Vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person, especially without using protection (e.g., condoms).
- Sharing needles or syringes, drug use, tattoos, or medical procedures with contaminated needles.
- Blood transfusions, receiving infected blood (though rare due to strict screening measures).
- During pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding if the mother is HIV-positive.
- Healthcare workers may contract HIV through accidental needle sticks or contact with infected blood.
HIV does not spread through casual contact such as hugging, sharing food, mosquito bites, or touching surfaces.
Who is at risk?
While anyone can contract HIV, certain groups are at higher risk, including:
- People with multiple sexual partners or those engaging in unprotected sex.
- Intravenous drug users who share needles.
- Sex workers and their clients.
- Individuals with sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which increase susceptibility.
- Healthcare workers exposed to infected blood.
- Babies born to HIV-positive mothers if preventive measures are not taken.
