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Kohima, Jan 9: Nagaland continues to grapple with a significantly higher HIV/AIDS prevalence rate compared to the national average, according to the state’s Economic Survey 2023-24. The survey reports that the adult (15-49 years) HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in Nagaland stands at 1.36%, far above the national average of 0.2%. Among the general population, the prevalence rate is even higher at 1.61%.
Alarming Statistics from 2006-2023
From 2006 to 2023, a total of 33,396 people in Nagaland tested positive for HIV, following the screening of approximately 16 lakh blood samples. During the 2023-24 period alone, 1.17% of tested samples were found positive for HIV. The survey also revealed that 14.83% of those diagnosed with HIV are undergoing MBP Nevirapine treatment.
Children Also Affected
Children under the age of 14 account for a concerning portion of HIV cases in the state. In 2023-24, 2.06% of screened children tested positive for HIV. Among these, 53.70% were male and 46.30% were female. Since October 2007, a total of 1,385 children under 14 years have been diagnosed as HIV positive.
Treatment and Mortality Rates
The report indicates that as of November 2023, 26,419 HIV-positive patients have been registered at Antiretroviral Therapy Centres (ARTCs) in Nagaland. Of these, 21,110 are currently receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), but 3,116 patients who were on ART have died. Currently, 6,205 males, 6,332 females, 12 transgender individuals, and 748 children, including 370 girls, are living with HIV and undergoing ART.
National and Global Trends
On a national scale, over 2.5 million people are living with HIV in India. According to the India HIV Estimations 2023 report, the national adult prevalence remains at 0.2%, with an estimated 66,400 new infections annually. Encouragingly, India has seen a 44% reduction in new HIV infections since 2010, outpacing the global reduction rate of 39%.
A Call for Action
Nagaland’s stark numbers highlight the urgent need for intensified awareness, prevention, and treatment efforts in the state. While nationwide trends show progress in combating HIV, the state’s significantly higher prevalence calls for focused interventions to curb the epidemic’s spread and support those living with the condition.
