HIV in Mizoram: 3,117 new cases detected in 19 months, says MSACS

Aizawl: More than 5,600 people have died of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in Mizoram since the deadly virus was first detected in October 1990, an official said on Monday.

Speaking on the occasion of World AIDS Day, Mizoram State AIDS Control Society (MSACS) project director Dr. Jane R. Ralte said a total of 33,641 people have been infected with HIV in the 35 years between October 1990 and October 2025.

Of the 33,641 infected individuals, more than 5,600 have succumbed to complications caused by the virus, she said.

Ralte, however, noted that the death rate has steadily declined due to strong interventions and the effective implementation of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART).

During the 19 months between April 2024 and October this year, 3,117 people, including 911 women and 167 pregnant women, were detected as HIV-positive, she said.

According to Ralte, 70.03 per cent of HIV cases in the state were transmitted sexually, while 27.3 per cent were transmitted through needle-sharing among intravenous drug users.

While 1.8 per cent of cases were transmitted from mother to child, 0.74 per cent contracted the virus from unknown sources, she said.

Of the 70.03 per cent infected through unprotected sex, 53.3 per cent contracted it from their regular partners or spouses, 34.3 per cent from non-regular partners, 7.7 per cent through homosexual, bisexual or same-sex intimacy, and 2.5 per cent from commercial partners, she said.

Ralte also said that Mizoram currently has 14 ART centres, including four in Aizawl.

A total of 18,231 people are currently receiving ART (Alive on ART), while 1,169 have discontinued treatment, she said.

Over 7,000 infected individuals are not receiving ART, she added.

Organised by the Mizoram State AIDS Control Society, World AIDS Day was observed today across different parts of the state.

The main programme, held at Vana Pa Hall in Aizawl, was graced by Assembly Speaker Lalbiakzama.

Speaking at the event, Lalbiakzama said the state government is making massive efforts to prevent the HIV incidence rate from rising.

He added that MSACS will launch an intensive campaign from this year until 2030 to reduce the infection rate by 80 per cent every year, and urged the general public and NGOs to support the initiative.

Lalbiakzama also appealed to people, especially the youth, to abstain from immoral sexual activities, avoid drugs, remain loyal to their partners, and adopt a healthy lifestyle.

Health and Family Welfare Department principal director Dr. Lalthlengliani, who presided over the function, highlighted the significant progress achieved by the state and stressed the need for renewed vigour and strong community leadership in HIV prevention and control.

During the event, six individuals were honoured by MSACS for their outstanding contributions to HIV/AIDS control and care in Mizoram.

With over 2.30 per cent of its 10.91 lakh population (2011 Census) infected, Mizoram currently has the highest AIDS prevalence rate in the country, followed by Nagaland, where 1.45 per cent of the population is affected, according to the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO).