Y Kikheto Sema flagging off MICTC vans for Mon, Tuensang, Longleng, Noklak on February 16 in Kohima. (Morung Photo)
87.46% of HIV transmission through sexual route
Our Correspondent
Kohima | February 16
Nagaland stand as 2nd Highest HIV Burden State in the country as far as adult HIV prevalence rate is concerned which is way above the National average. As per Sankalak 2022 report, the National Adult HIV Prevalence Rate in India stands at 0.21% and 1.36% in Nagaland.
In Nagaland, HIV prevalence is consistently highest among 15-49 years of age at 1.36% as compared to national average of 0.21% comprising 87.39% of the total HIV positives. 87.46% of HIV transmission occurs through sexual route in Nagaland. People Living with HIV (PLHIV) in India stands at 2401280 and 21730 in Nagaland. AIDS related deaths in India at 41,970 and 307 in Nagaland.
This data was made available during a press conference here in Kohima on February 16.
In term of HIV and AIDS programme facilities and services in Nagaland, there are 73 HIV testing confirmatory sites, 126 screening sites, 58 community based screening sites, 18 PPP sites, 48 targeted intervention sites, 31 TI-Opioid Substitution Therapy sites, 19 Satellite- OST sites, 6 link workers schemes, 12 Antiretroviral Therapy Centre, 3 link ARTCs (LAC), 4 CD4 Sites and 2 State Reference Laboratories.
The handout stated that all 12 ARTCs and three LACs in Nagaland at the district hospitals provide HIV treatment services and all HIV services are provided free of cost by NACO.
HIV testing is compulsorily done for all pregnant women coming to Antenatal Clinics and after pre and post test counselling and any positive pregnant women are link to ART services.
NSACS launches MICTC vans
The Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) launched MICTC (Mobile Integrated Counseling & Testing Centers) vans for the districts of Mon, Tuensang, Longleng, and Noklak on February 16.
It was flagged off by Y Kikheto Sema, Commissioner & Secretary Health & Family Welfare and chairman NSACS at the Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, Kohima.
Addressing the flagging-off ceremony, Kikheto said that Nagaland stand as 2nd highest HIV burden state in the country as far as Adult HIV Prevalence Rate is concerned which is way above the National average.
He said that Government of India GOI is currently implementing National AIDS Control Program Phase V from April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2026 working towards attainment of United Nation’s SDG Goals 3.3 of ending HIV and AIDS epidemic as a public health threat through a comprehensive package of prevention, detection and treatment services.
“I therefore look forward to see improvement in the HIV related activities and hoping that these vehicles would be leveraged for different kinds of health related programs and reach out to people in need,” he said.
More van to be flagged soon
NSACS Project Director Dr Akuo Sorhie said that eight more van will be ready to be flagged very soon.
She said that till date, MICTC van are involved in outreach activities for HIV Counselling and Testing in the Hard to Reach Areas or villages which are far away from Fixed Facilities like the Hospitals and also in the High Risk pockets within the town.
“These MICTC vans are also used to conduct integrated coordinated activities with the state health departments through activities like Health Camps, Health Melas, Vertical Health Programs under NHM,” she said adding that MICTC vans have contributed immensely in the recent past for COVID related activities in all the districts.
MITCT vans are also currently covering all the Districts Prisons and other Closed Settings, covering Schools and Colleges in collaboration with the Red Ribbon Clubs, coverage of HIV Testing for the high Risk Groups in all the districts.
She thanked National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) for replacing the existing 10- MICTC van and added 2 more vans for Longleng and Noklak districts in the current financial year.
“Nagaland State AIDS Control Society is committed to cater to people who need it most through beneficial use of the MICTC vans, in close coordination with all the programs,” she said.
