30000 people have HIV/AIDS, panic in this state of India
There is a rapid increase in HIV / AIDS cases in Mizoram, causing concern in the state. According to the report, the rate of HIV infection in Mizoram has reached 2.73%, which is the highest in the entire country. This figure is much higher than the Indian average of 0.2%. The increasing rate of HIV and deaths in the state has shocked everyone, and various steps are being taken to deal with this situation.
Causes of HIV infection
Mizoram is witnessing a huge increase in cases of HIV infection. The state’s Health Minister, Lalrinpuii, has expressed concern over this serious situation and appealed to the MPs to take strict action on this. Dr. Jane R. Ralte, who is the Project Director of Mizoram State AIDS Control Society (MSACS), said that as of January 2025, 32,287 people have been found HIV positive in Mizoram. Of these, 5,511 people have died. He also informed that 67% of HIV infection cases are caused by unsafe sex. While 30.44% cases have occurred due to the use of contaminated needles.
Steps taken by the government
Amid the increasing cases of HIV infection, the government has taken several effective steps. The Health Minister has appealed for better use of drop-in centers to provide assistance to HIV infected people. Along with this, the Health Minister has emphasized the need for timely intake of ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) medicines and regular blood tests. The MLAs of the state have decided to give ₹ 50,000 from their MLA fund for 2024-25, so that HIV positive people continue to get the facility of ART medicine. Apart from this, HIV self-testing facility has also been started, so that people can easily test HIV at their home.
How HIV is spread and how it isn’t
- HIV is mainly spread through bodily fluids of an infected person, such as:
- Unprotected sex (vaginal, anal, oral sex)
- Using contaminated needles
- Transfusion of infected blood
- During pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding
- HIV is not spread through hugging, sharing food, mosquito bites, or touching surfaces.
Some people who may be at higher risk include:
- Those who have multiple sexual partners
- Those who take drugs
- Sex workers and healthcare workers
Measures to prevent HIV
Apart from the measures taken by the government to curb the rise of HIV cases in Mizoram, there is a need to spread awareness and education. People are being made aware about avoiding unsafe sex, using needles safely, and getting regular HIV tests done. Also, HIV self-testing allows people to test themselves confidentially, which is proving to be beneficial especially for people living in remote areas.
