Mizoram Health Minister calls for urgent action as State leads in HIV cases
Aizawl: Mizoram Health Minister Lalrinpuii has called for urgent and coordinated efforts to address the state's HIV crisis, as Mizoram continues to record the highest HIV prevalence rate in India at 2.73%.
Speaking at the governing body meeting of the Mizoram State AIDS Control Society (MSACS) in Aizawl on Wednesday, Lalrinpuii, who also chairs the society, said the situation leaves no room for complacency and requires intensified intervention across sectors, news agency UNI reported.
MSACS Project Director Dr Jane Rinzuali Ralte informed the meeting that 2,069 new cases of People Living with HIV (PLHIV) were registered at the state’s 14 Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) centres during 2024–2025. Of those receiving treatment, 97.7% have achieved viral suppression, meaning they can no longer transmit the virus to others, she said.
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While Mizoram remains at the top in terms of HIV prevalence, Ralte noted a steady decline in new cases over the past five years, describing it as a positive trend, though far from satisfactory.
According to a UNI report, as part of its multi-pronged response, MSACS conducted HIV testing and treatment literacy campaigns in de-addiction centres, along with intensive Information, Education and Communication (IEC) outreach across all 11 districts last year. Candlelight vigils were also held in memory of those who lost their lives to HIV/AIDS.
Ralte added that the Mizoram State Blood Transfusion Council (MSBTC) had won the prestigious ‘Excellence in Blood Donation 2023–24’ award, being recognised as the best-performing council in the entire Northeast.
Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that eight government health facilities in Mizoram have been newly ranked among the best-performing public hospitals in India under the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS).
According to Dr Lily Chhakchhuak, Mission Director of the National Health Mission under the Health & Family Welfare Department, the newly accredited facilities include Kawnpui PHC (91.42%), Pangzawl PHC (96.26%), Chhingchhip PHC (93.80%), Hrangchalkawn UPHC (93.35%), Lungsen PHC (88.22%), Cherhlun PHC (89.66%), Sangau PHC (89.03%), and Chhuarlung PHC (95.30%).
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