KOHIMA, Aug. 13, 2025: Despite a steady decline in HIV cases over recent years, Nagaland continues to record the second-highest adult HIV prevalence rate in India at 1.37%, according to Health and Family Welfare Minister P. Paiwang Konyak.
Speaking at the launch of the Intensified Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Campaign 2.0 on HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) at the NBCC Convention Centre in Kohima on Tuesday, Konyak described the state’s HIV response as being at a “crucial moment.”
The event, organised by the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) under the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), saw participation from thousands of students representing 66 schools and colleges in the state capital.
Transmission Patterns and Treatment Coverage
Citing data from the Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre (ICTC) programme, the minister said the epidemic in Nagaland is primarily driven by unprotected sexual contact, accounting for 85% of transmissions. Injecting drug use contributes 8.7% of new infections, while mother-to-child transmission from parents not on treatment accounts for 5.4%.
As of June 2025, 15,323 people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Nagaland are on Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART). The state has also taken significant strides in addressing drug-related transmission, with Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) centres established in all district hospitals and in some community health centres, primary health centres, wellness centres, and NGO facilities. Currently, 64 OST centres across the state are providing treatment to more than 10,000 injecting drug users.
“OST is part of a harm-reduction approach to prevent other infections and to support recovery,” Konyak said.
Campaign Aims and Outreach Strategy
Over the next two months, the intensified IEC campaign will target both urban and rural communities, reaching people of all ages. Konyak stressed that simply providing facts is not enough — the message must resonate with people’s daily lives, beliefs, and aspirations.
“Campaigns alone do not create change. People do. Every conversation, every poster, every story has the power to change lives,” the minister said, urging health workers, community leaders, media, and youth advocates to take ownership of the initiative.
Government Commitment and Vision
Health and Family Welfare Commissioner and Secretary, and NSACS Chairman, Anoop Khinchi, described the campaign as a reaffirmation of Nagaland’s commitment to protect the health, dignity, and future of its people.
“HIV and STIs remain a serious public health challenge. Awareness must be continuous, innovative, and deeply embedded in our communities,” he said.
Khinchi outlined the vision of NACO - a future where every person has the knowledge, tools, and confidence to make informed health decisions, where HIV transmission is halted, and stigma is eliminated.
“No one should be left uninformed, denied care, or suffer in silence because of discrimination or misinformation,” he said, pledging that the state government will ensure access to accurate information, quality healthcare, and a supportive environment.
The campaign will be strengthened through traditional outreach methods, youth-led initiatives, social media campaigns, and school and college programmes. It will also involve influencers, educators, faith leaders, and community champions to empower young people to become advocates for HIV prevention.
Cultural and Youth Engagement
The launch event included performances aimed at engaging the youth and promoting the campaign message. Ace Crew presented a red ribbon welcome dance, Mezhütuo-ü Thira of Kohima College delivered a short address on “This is Our Time: Young Voices for a Healthier Future,” and the Tetseo Sisters performed HIV Lizo, the official theme song of the campaign.
Project Director Ahu Sekhose delivered the welcome address, while SBCK Associate Pastor Lujeka Assumi offered the invocation.
A Call to Action
As Nagaland works to further reduce its HIV prevalence, the intensified IEC campaign is positioned not just as an awareness drive but as a movement. The message from the launch was clear: eradicating stigma, promoting safe practices, and ensuring access to treatment are collective responsibilities.
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With targeted outreach, community participation, and sustained government commitment, Nagaland aims to shift from being one of the highest HIV-prevalence states to becoming a model for prevention, care, and inclusivity.
