Aizawl, 12 Aug 2025: Mizoram Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma on Tuesday inaugurated the Intensified Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Campaign on HIV and the HIV Test Drive Campaign 2025 at the I&PR Auditorium in Aizawl, calling for stronger collective efforts to prevent the spread of HIV and increase testing across the state.
The launch programme was attended by Health Minister Pi Lalrinpuii, Minister Pu B. Lalchhanzova, health officials, community leaders, and representatives of various civil society organisations. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister emphasized that prevention remains the most effective defence against HIV and urged all stakeholders to work together in tackling the challenge.
Lalduhoma stressed the importance of extending awareness and testing services to remote villages and border areas, ensuring that no community is left out of the campaign. He noted that despite Mizoram having one of the highest levels of public awareness about HIV in the country, the state continues to record a high prevalence rate, making intensified preventive measures essential.
According to official data presented during the programme, 97.38 per cent of HIV infections in Mizoram are linked to unprotected sexual activity and injecting drug use. For the financial year 2024–25, 68.13 per cent of newly detected HIV cases were attributed to sexual transmission, while 29.25 per cent resulted from the sharing of needles and syringes among injecting drug users.
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The Chief Minister appealed to community organisations, particularly the Young Mizo Association (YMA), village councils, church leaders, and local authorities, to actively support government efforts in promoting healthy lifestyles and discouraging risky behaviours. He emphasized that community participation is crucial in addressing social and behavioural factors contributing to the spread of HIV.
Health Minister Pi Lalrinpuii also highlighted the urgency of the situation and called on citizens to participate in voluntary HIV testing. She encouraged people to know their HIV status, seek timely medical support when necessary, and contribute to building a healthier society through responsible behaviour and awareness.
Officials revealed that since HIV was first detected in the state in 1990, Mizoram has recorded 32,994 HIV-positive cases, including 2,471 new cases detected during 2024–25. The figures underline the continuing public health challenge faced by the state.
As part of the campaign, awareness programmes, counselling services, and HIV testing drives will be conducted across 88 villages in all 11 districts of Mizoram. The initiative aims to achieve maximum testing coverage, promote early detection, reduce stigma, and strengthen prevention efforts, ultimately contributing to the state’s goal of controlling the spread of HIV and improving public health outcomes.
