21,538 HIV positive cases detected in Mizoram from October 1990 to December 2019, says Health Minister
Newmai News Network
AIZAWL | FEBRUARY 18
Mizoram continues to be in top spot in the country regarding the HIV/AIDS prevalence, according to National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), Mizoram Health minister Dr. R. Lalthangliana informed the state legislative assembly on Tuesday.
Replying to a question from opposition leader Lalduhoma and Dr. Vanlaltanpuia of the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF), Lalthangliana said that as many as 21,538 people were infected with HIV positive in Mizoram from October 1990 to December 2019 making the state being the highest AIDS prevalent state in the country.
The first HIV positive case was detected in the state in October 1990.
He also said that the rate of HIV case is the highest among youths in the age group of 25-34 years which accounted for 42.38 per cent.
According to the minister, HIV prevalence rate was calculated by National Working Group on HIV estimation based on the globally software spectrum made by the United Nations Program on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS). He also said that the government is making massive efforts to control the rapid spread of AIDS, which is extremely alarming.
“I had convened a meeting with churches, NGOs and student bodies recently. They expressed their consent to make collective efforts to combat the growing menace,” he said.
Lalthangliana also said that the state government has also sought assistance from the UN to control the growing HIV prevalence in Mizoram.
He further said that he recently met officials of UNAIDS in the US and also in New Delhi, who promised him all possible helps from their end. The Health minister added that the government is mulling to strengthen Mizoram State AIDS Control Society (MASCS).
Meanwhile, MSACS project director Lalthlengliani said that at least 2,416 people have died due to AIDS between January 2006, since Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) was introduced in the state, and September 2019.
It has been estimated that 9 people are diagnosed with HIV positive everyday in Mizoram with 2.04 per cent of its total population being currently infected.
