As many as 3,294 people have died of complications caused by Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in Mizoram since the deadly virus was detected in the state in 1990, a senior health official said.
Speaking on the occasion of World AIDS day on Wednesday, state health secretary R. Lalramnghaka said that a total of 25,080 people have been infected with HIV-positive since 1990.
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Of the 25,080 infected, 3,294 people have succumbed to the virus, he said. A total of 17,053 people are currently taking Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), he said.
Along with the rest of the World, Mizoram observed World AIDS day on Wednesday. The event was graced by health minister Dr. R. Lalthangliana.
World AIDS day run was organised in Aizawl to mark the occasion. The health minister also launched index testing to screen high-risk groups. He also disbursed dun jackets to two-wheeler and taxi drivers.
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With over 2.30 per cent of its total 10.91 lakh population (2011 census) being infected, Mizoram currently has the dubious distinction of being the highest AIDS prevalent state in the country, followed by Nagaland, which has 1.45 per cent of its population being infected with the deadly disease, according to National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO)
More than 78 per cent of HIV-positive cases in the state were sexually transmitted, while about 20 per cent cases were transmitted through sharing needles by intravenous drug users.
It has been estimated that about 1.19 per 1000 people are diagnosed with HIV positive in Mizoram, according to Mizoram State AIDS Control Society (MSACS).
The AIDS incident rate was highest among youths in the age group of 25-34, followed by people in the age group of 35-49 at 26.49 per cent, it said.