Mizoram Improves National Ranking in HIV Prevention
Mizoram has climbed to third place nationwide in HIV prevention performance, improving from fifth position last year. The state achieved the ranking under the prevention and response scorecard of the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO).
However, despite the improved ranking, Mizoram continues to report the highest adult HIV prevalence rate in the country at 2.75 percent. The figure remains significantly higher than the national average of 0.20 percent, highlighting the scale of the public health challenge.
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New HIV Infections Show Declining Trend
Mizoram State AIDS Control Society Project Director Jane R. Ralte said the state has recorded a steady decline in new HIV infections since 2018. She explained that the improved national ranking reflects stronger prevention strategies, wider testing coverage, and better response mechanisms.
According to health officials, consistent awareness programmes and improved monitoring have helped slow the spread of new infections over the past several years.
Over 1.4 Lakh Tests Conducted in Recent Period
Between April 2024 and November 2025, health authorities tested more than 1.4 lakh blood samples across the state. These tests led to the detection of 3,257 new HIV-positive cases.
Among the newly detected cases, 953 were women, including 179 pregnant women. Data showed that people aged between 25 and 34 years accounted for the highest number of infections, indicating increased vulnerability among the working-age population.
Sexual Transmission Remains Primary Cause
Health department data revealed that sexual transmission caused the majority of new HIV infections in Mizoram. Around 70.4 percent of cases occurred due to unprotected sexual contact.
Meanwhile, 27.3 percent of new infections were linked to needle-sharing among intravenous drug users. Mother-to-child transmission accounted for 1.8 percent of cases, while 0.8 percent were traced to unknown sources.
Officials said targeted interventions for high-risk groups remain a key priority for the state’s HIV control strategy.
Over 26,000 People Living With HIV in Mizoram
Since Mizoram detected its first HIV case in October 1990, the state has recorded a total of 33,781 infections. At present, around 26,321 people are living with HIV.
Out of them, 18,355 patients are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) at 14 state-run treatment centres. Health officials stressed that timely access to treatment has significantly improved life expectancy and quality of life for people living with HIV.
Since the introduction of ART in 2005, the state has reported 5,026 AIDS-related deaths.
Government Focuses on Prevention and Awareness
Lalrinpuii, the Health Minister of Mizoram, said the state government continues to prioritise HIV prevention and awareness. She stated that authorities plan to strengthen community-based initiatives to curb new infections.
The government also aims to collaborate with churches to promote pre-marital HIV testing. In addition, officials plan to expand awareness campaigns among youth and vulnerable groups to encourage early testing and safe practices.
Health experts believe that sustained prevention efforts, combined with community participation, remain crucial to reducing Mizoram’s HIV burden while maintaining its strong national performance ranking.
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