Aizawl: Mizoram Health Minister Lalrinpuii on Friday expressed deep concern over the rising number of HIV infections through sexual contact in the state, describing it as a matter of “collective disgrace” for the Mizo community.
Speaking at an event marking International Condom Day in Aizawl, Lalrinpuii noted that sexual contact remains the primary route of HIV transmission in Mizoram, accounting for 70 per cent of all cases. The event was organised by the Mizoram State AIDS Control Society in collaboration with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation India Cares under the theme “Just Use It.”
Highlighting the statistical disparity, Lalrinpuii said the state’s HIV prevalence rate of 2.74 per cent far exceeds the national average of 0.2 per cent.
“Seventy per cent of HIV transmissions in Mizoram occur through sexual contact. While the national prevalence rate stands at a mere 0.2 per cent, Mizoram’s rate has climbed to 2.74 per cent. This is a matter of shame for Mizo society,” she said.
The Minister attributed the spread largely to infidelity and inadequate preventive measures, which she said run counter to the moral and religious values of the community. She urged people to remain faithful to their partners and emphasized vigilance among the youth.
Drawing attention to the World Health Organization’s endorsement of condoms as one of the most effective tools to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, Lalrinpuii urged the public to discard misconceptions surrounding condom use. She stressed that correct use of condoms is vital to curbing the virus.
“While we advocate for abstinence before marriage, those who cannot abstain must not hesitate to use condoms. It is a simple, life-saving tool that we must stop stigmatizing,” she said.
At the event, the Minister also launched the Love Brigade 2.0 campaign to normalise condom access. The initiative introduces a unique distribution model in which two-wheeler taxi riders wear condom jackets, allowing passengers and the public to access free condoms discreetly and easily.
V. Sam Prasad, Country Program Director for AHF India Cares, reinforced the Minister’s message, stating that HIV spreads wherever preventive measures are ignored. He said the campaign ensures that “no one has to have sex without a condom because they couldn’t find one.”