Saitual, Mizoram: Saitual has become the first district in Mizoram to achieve ‘Surakshit’ status under the National AIDS Control Organisation’s (NACO) Mobilisation AIDS Suraksha (MAS) campaign. The district met all three targets of the globally recognised 95-95-95 HIV control strategy, according to an official release issued on September 8.
The achievement reflects progress in HIV testing, treatment and viral suppression. Officials credited government agencies, NGOs, churches and community leaders for supporting awareness and testing efforts across the district.
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Key Facts
- District: Saitual, Mizoram
- Status Achieved: Surakshit
- Campaign: NACO Mobilisation AIDS Suraksha (MAS)
- Achievement: All three 95-95-95 targets met
- Assessment: August 2026
- First District: Saitual is the first and only Mizoram district to achieve Surakshit status so far
- First HIV Case in Mizoram: Reported in October 1990
- HIV-Positive Cases Detected: 34,930 since 1990
- ART Registrations: 29,217 people
Saitual Meets All Three HIV Control Targets
The 95-95-95 strategy focuses on three major HIV control goals. It aims for 95% of people living with HIV to know their status, 95% of diagnosed individuals to receive antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 95% of people receiving treatment to achieve viral load suppression.
According to the August assessment, Saitual successfully met all three benchmarks.
This makes Saitual the first district in Mizoram to receive the ‘Surakshit’ classification under the MAS campaign.
What Does ‘Surakshit’ Status Mean?
Under the MAS campaign, districts are assessed based on their progress against the three HIV control targets.
Districts achieving none or only one target are classified as ‘Sangharshee’, while those achieving two targets receive the ‘Saksham’ classification.
Districts meeting all three targets are given ‘Surakshit’ status. A higher ‘Surakshit+’ status is awarded to districts reporting zero mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
Community Support Credited for Achievement
Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Zothanpari Chhakchhuak attributed Saitual’s achievement to the support of Deputy Commissioner Srinivas Sadi and the sustained cooperation of NGOs, churches and community leaders.
She said their involvement helped expand HIV testing and awareness activities across the district.
The MAS campaign has been implemented intensively across Mizoram since February, with progress regularly reviewed at the district level under the leadership of Deputy Commissioners.
Officials Stress Need for Continued Efforts
Health officials have cautioned that achieving the status is only one part of the HIV response. Maintaining the progress will require continued testing, awareness and treatment adherence.
Chhakchhuak encouraged more people to undergo HIV testing and know their status. She also urged people living with HIV to take ART regularly.
According to her, early detection and consistent treatment are essential to controlling HIV transmission and improving health outcomes.
Mizoram’s HIV Situation
The Mizoram State AIDS Control Society (MSACS) reported that 34,930 HIV-positive cases have been detected in the state since the first case was reported in October 1990.
The society also reported that 6,439 people had died from the disease up to July 2026.
Meanwhile, 29,217 patients have registered for ART, with 26,382 having started treatment.
Questions and Answers
What is Surakshit status?
Surakshit status is awarded under the NACO MAS campaign to districts that meet all three targets of the 95-95-95 HIV control strategy.
Which district became the first in Mizoram to achieve it?
Saitual became the first and only district in Mizoram to achieve Surakshit status as of the August assessment.
What are the 95-95-95 targets?
The targets focus on HIV awareness, access to ART and viral load suppression among people living with HIV.
What is Surakshit+ status?
Surakshit+ is awarded to districts that achieve the Surakshit benchmarks and report zero mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
How many HIV-positive cases have been detected in Mizoram?
MSACS reported 34,930 HIV-positive cases in the state since October 1990.
Location Context
Mizoram has recorded a significant HIV burden over the years, making district-level prevention, testing and treatment programmes particularly important. Saitual’s achievement is a notable development for Mizoram and highlights the role of community participation in strengthening HIV control efforts across Northeast India.
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