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Aizawl, Mizoram:
A recent report from the Mizoram State AIDS Control Society (MSACS) has revealed that unsafe sexual practices are the leading cause of HIV/AIDS infections in the state, accounting for 68% of all reported cases. This was disclosed by Dr. Jane R. Ralte, Project Director of MSACS, during a meeting of the Lunglei District AIDS Prevention and Control Committee (DAPCC) held on Monday. The session was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Navneet Mann.
Key Findings
According to Dr. Ralte, intravenous drug use—specifically the sharing of contaminated syringes and needles—accounts for an additional 30% of HIV/AIDS cases in Mizoram. The data, compiled for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, shows that out of 59,243 general HIV screenings conducted across the state, 1,851 individuals (3.12%) tested positive. In the same period, 18,425 antenatal care (ANC) tests were performed, with 106 cases (0.58%) confirmed positive.
Focusing on Lunglei district, the report indicated that out of 6,373 general screenings, 128 people (1.93%) tested positive for HIV. Of these, 84 cases were attributed to sexual transmission, while 38 were linked to shared contaminated needles among intravenous drug users. ANC testing in the district revealed 7 positive cases (0.37%) out of 1,885 screenings.
Age Distribution and Trends
The age distribution of the 128 positive cases in Lunglei district is as follows:
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55 individuals aged 25-34
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39 individuals aged 35-49
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15 individuals aged 15-24
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14 individuals above 50 years
Encouragingly, the district has witnessed a declining trend in HIV cases among both general and ANC clients since 2020-2021.
Long-Term Impact
Over the past 18 years, since 2008, Mizoram has recorded 2,156 HIV infections. Of these, 1,473 individuals have received Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), while 446 people have succumbed to full-blown AIDS.
Call for Early Awareness
Dr. Ralte emphasized the urgent need for HIV awareness education to begin at the middle school level, aiming to curb the spread of the disease through early intervention and informed decision-making among youth.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly available information from the Times of India (source) as of May 21, 2025. The statistics and statements presented are attributed to the Mizoram State AIDS Control Society and are for informational purposes only. For medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
