Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a disease that instills fear in many. Many people are caught in the midst of various misconceptions about the disease. Many are not even aware of what this disease actually is, how it can be prevented, and other related aspects. Meanwhile, Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma announced on Tuesday that 97.38 percent of HIV infections in the state spread through unsafe sexual relations and the use of infected needles and syringes.
Following this, the CM launched an IEC campaign (Information, Education, and Communication) to prevent HIV infection in Mizoram and to create awareness among people. An HIV test drive campaign has also been initiated. CM Lalduhoma said that while spreading awareness about HIV, villages and border areas should be given priority.
**CM Launches Awareness Campaign**
The CM stated that there are only two ways to prevent this disease: prevention and protection. The CM further added that both prevention and protection can only be achieved when a person is aware of the disease, knowing how the disease occurs and what its symptoms are.
He mentioned that despite good levels of awareness, preventive measures are not being fully followed, and hence, there is a need for innovative and effective awareness initiatives so that people properly adhere to the recommended preventive measures.
**Reasons for the Spread of the Disease**
According to health officials, CM Lalduhoma said that during the financial year 2024-2025, out of the HIV positive cases, 97.38 percent of the cases were due to unsafe sexual relations and sharing needles and syringes used for injecting drugs.
Out of this, 68.13 percent of the infections were due to unsafe sexual relations. Also, 29.5 percent of the infections were caused by using the same needles and syringes as infected individuals.
**How many HIV cases in Mizoram?**
Health Minister Laldinpuii also urged everyone to be aware of their HIV status and to support preventive measures. She stated that HIV/AIDS remains a serious concern in the state, and some people continue unsafe sexual practices and sharing needles, despite knowing these are the main causes of infection.
According to officials, since October 1990, when the virus was first detected in the state, a total of 32,994 HIV positive cases have been reported in Mizoram. They reported that during the financial year 2024-25, 2,471 people, including 869 women, were found to be infected with the virus.
They added that prevention is possible for 97 percent of people affected by HIV, and Mizoram is among the top five best states in the country in terms of effective HIV/AIDS prevention and care programs. Officials mentioned that under the intensive IEC campaign, awareness and tests will be conducted in 88 villages across all 11 districts of the state, aiming to achieve maximum testing coverage during the campaign period.
**What is HIV?**
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is an infection that attacks the body’s immune system. The final or advanced stage of HIV is Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, or AIDS.
HIV attacks the body’s White Blood Cells (WBC) cells, which affects the immune system and weakens it. This makes it easier for any disease to occur. According to the WHO, HIV continues to be a major global public health problem, having claimed an estimated 44.1 million lives worldwide. By the end of 2024, an estimated 40.8 million people worldwide will be living with HIV. The WHO says that there is no cure for HIV infection.