Mizoram CM Lalduhoma has launched an intensified HIV awareness and test drive campaign, urging communities to fight high infection rates. With 97% of cases linked to unprotected sex and drug use, the state calls for mindset change, prevention efforts in remote areas, and active NGO participation.
Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Tuesday expressed serious concern over the state’s persistently high HIV/AIDS prevalence, despite widespread awareness about the disease. Speaking at the launch of the intensified Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign on HIV and the HIV Test Drive Campaign 2025, the Chief Minister emphasised the urgent need to extend awareness and prevention initiatives to even the most remote villages and border areas.
Lalduhoma noted that Mizoram has earned a reputation for its strong HIV/AIDS awareness programmes. However, he admitted that good awareness levels have not translated into sufficient preventive practices. “Once infected, HIV has no cure. The only safeguard is prevention, and to protect oneself, one must be well-informed. This requires innovative and impactful awareness programmes,” he said.
High-Risk Behaviours Persist Despite Awareness
According to health officials, the state’s HIV/AIDS burden remains alarming. Data from 2024–25 shows that 68.13% of new HIV cases are due to sexual transmission, while 29.25% result from sharing needles among injecting drug users. Overall, 97.38% of HIV infections in Mizoram are linked to these two main causes.
Counsellors at Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTCs) revealed that while most people who test positive understand the modes of transmission and preventive measures, many are unwilling to change their risky behaviours. This unwillingness continues to fuel the spread of the infection.
Lalduhoma called for a significant shift in public mindset, urging people to refrain from drug use and unprotected sex. He appealed to those already living with HIV to take responsibility and prevent transmission to others.
Community Involvement Key to Prevention
The Chief Minister urged village leaders to work closely with health workers and encouraged the Young Mizo Association (YMA), the state’s largest NGO, to actively engage in the awareness campaign. He particularly requested that YMA programmes focus on discouraging the two primary causes of HIV transmission—unprotected sex and injecting drug use—which he said are contrary to Christian values.
Health Minister Lalrinpuii, speaking at the same event, reaffirmed that HIV/AIDS remains one of Mizoram’s most pressing public health concerns. She stressed that while the causes are well known, a section of the population continues to engage in risky behaviour. “We must all be aware of our HIV status and support prevention measures. Public participation is crucial for this campaign’s success,” she said.
Three Decades of Struggle Against HIV/AIDS
Providing an overview of the situation, Dr. Jane Rinsangi Ralte, Project Director of the Mizoram State AIDS Control Society (MSACS), informed the gathering that since 1990, the state has recorded 32,994 HIV-positive cases. She noted that while testing facilities and treatment support have improved, prevention remains the ultimate defence against the disease.
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The programme was chaired by H. Lalengmawia, Commissioner and Secretary of Health and Family Welfare, and began with a prayer led by Rev. C. Lalhungliana. Officials reiterated that combating HIV/AIDS requires a coordinated approach involving government agencies, NGOs, religious organisations, and local communities.
As Mizoram moves forward with the intensified IEC and test drive campaigns, state leaders hope that a renewed focus on awareness, prevention, and responsible behaviour will help reduce the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the coming years.
