CM Pu Lalduhoma Chairs State Council On Aids Meeting

Aizawl : The Mizoram State Council on AIDS convened under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma at the CM Conference Hall.

Pi Sangchhin Chinzah, Secretary of Health & Family Welfare, expressed her gratitude, highlighting the significance of the Chief Minister’s leadership in this State Council on AIDS meeting.

Dr. Lalthlengliani, Project Director of MSACS, provided a detailed overview of the current status and progress. As per MSACS records, there are 16,217 individuals on ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) in the state, of which around 500 are from other states. Among those diagnosed, 633 individuals are not continuing ART, and 5,021 deaths have been recorded due to HIV-related causes. MSACS operates ICTC (Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres) and ART centers in every district.

According to estimates by the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) for 2023, Mizoram’s adult HIV prevalence rate stands at 2.73%, the highest in India, compared to the national average of just 0.2%. This alarming prevalence rate is attributed to the high detection rate of HIV cases in the state, reaching a peak level in 2017. Other high-prevalence states reached their peak in 2005. After Mizoram’s peak level, the number of new HIV cases has gradually declined.

Mothers living with HIV can safely give birth to HIV-negative children with proper medical intervention. Despite this, mother-to-child transmission remains a concern. Last year, out of 120 HIV-positive pregnant women, only two gave birth to HIV-positive babies. To achieve greater success, it is crucial to ensure that the condition of pregnant women is thoroughly monitored.

The staff of MSACS remains committed to continuing their efforts in HIV/AIDS prevention and control. They believe that with sustained efforts, the situation can be further improved.

Following the review, the council discussed the way forward and strategies for continued progress.

The meeting was also attended by Pu Vanlalhlana, Minister of Transport, Pu PC Vanlalruata, Minister of Agriculture, and other members of the State Council on AIDS.