Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Tuesday launched the Intensified IEC Campaign on HIV and the HIV Test Drive Campaign 2025 at the I&PR Auditorium. Health Minister Lalrinpuii attended as Guest of Honour, while Minister B. Lalchhanzova was also present.
Addressing the programme, Lalduhoma highlighted that HIV has no cure, and prevention remains the only safeguard. He stressed the importance of widespread awareness and urged efforts to reach remote villages and border areas, noting that strong awareness in Mizoram has not fully translated into preventive practices.
Data from 2024–25 indicates that 68.13% of new HIV cases in the State were sexually transmitted, while 29.25% resulted from sharing needles among injecting drug users. Overall, 97.38% of HIV infections in Mizoram are linked to sexual activity and drug use. The Chief Minister called for behavioural change, urging people to avoid unprotected sex and drug use and encouraging those infected to prevent transmission to others.
Lalduhoma also appealed to village leaders for cooperation with health workers and invited the Young Mizo Association (YMA) to support awareness efforts, particularly against the two main causes of HIV transmission, which he noted are contrary to Christian values.
Health Minister Lalrinpuii reaffirmed that HIV/AIDS continues to be a serious concern in Mizoram. She urged residents to know their HIV status and support prevention measures, emphasising the need for public participation for the campaign’s success.
The programme was chaired by H. Lalengmawia, Commissioner & Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, with a prayer led by Rev. C. Lalhungliana. Dr. Jane Rinsangi Ralte, Project Director, MSACS, presented an overview of the HIV/AIDS situation in Mizoram.
Since 1990, Mizoram has recorded 32,994 HIV-positive cases. In 2024–25, 2,471 new cases were detected, including 1,602 males, 869 females, and 140 pregnant women. Officials noted that 97% of HIV cases in the State are preventable, and Mizoram continues to rank among the top five states in India for effective HIV/AIDS prevention and care programmes.
