Aizawl, Sep 14 (IANS) Mizoram has recorded 29,514 HIV positive cases since 1990. The border northeastern state is leading in the number of HIV infections, an official said on Saturday.
According to the 2023 estimate of the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), the adult HIV prevalence rate in Mizoram is 2.73 per cent, higher than the national level of 0.2 per cent, a Mizoram State AIDS Control Society (MSACS) official said.
The official said that this is because the HIV detection rate is high in Mizoram. Now the number of HIV cases in the state is declining.
There are currently 16,217 PLHIV (people living with HIV) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Mizoram, he said.
To curb the spread of HIV/AIDS in the hill state, Chief Minister Lalduhoma recently launched the “Mizoram’s fight against HIV and STI” campaign. The campaign is being run in all 11 districts, the official said.
The Chief Minister appealed for greater participation from churches, NGOs, associations and the general public to tackle the issue.
He called for a collective effort to tackle the growing challenge, stressing that it is imperative to raise awareness and take preventive measures.
AIDS-related deaths have been documented since 2005. As of March 2024, 5,021 deaths from AIDS have been recorded.
MSACS officials said efforts are being made to protect newborns from HIV-positive mothers to prevent the spread of HIV.
Last year, out of 120 HIV-positive pregnant women, only two babies were found to be HIV positive.
To achieve more success in this effort, it is necessary to detect the condition of pregnant women early.
MSACS officials believe that if they continue their efforts, they can control the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Smuggling of drugs from Myanmar is rampant in Mizoram and the Assam Rifles, Mizoram Police and other law enforcement agencies regularly seize various drugs including heroin and methamphetamine pills, also known as yaba tablets or party tablets.
Mizoram shares 510 km and 318 km long unfenced border with Myanmar and Bangladesh respectively.
–IANS
AKS/CBT
