Mizoram has topped the list in highest HIV/AIDS prevalence in the country followed by Manipur and Nagaland.
This was informed by state health minister Dr R Lalthangliana in the Assembly on Tuesday quoting National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) records.
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Replying to a combined question from Opposition leader Lalduhoma and Dr Vanlaltanpuia of the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF), Lalthangliana said as many as 21,538 people were infected with HIV positive in Mizoram from October 1990 to December 2019 making the State being the highest AIDS prevalent state in the country.
The first HIV positive case was detected in the state in October 1990.
Also read: Mizoram: Civil body urges Governor to strengthen fight against drug abuse, HIV/AIDS
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He said the rate of HIV case is highest among youths in the age group of 25-34 years which accounted for 42.38 per cent.
According to the minister, HIV prevalence rate was calculated by National Working Group on HIV estimation based on the globally software spectrum made by the United Nations Program on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS).
He said the government is making massive effort to control the rapid spread of AIDS, which is extremely alarming.
“I have convened a meeting with churches, NGOs and student bodies recently. They have expressed their consent to make collective efforts to combat the growing menace,” he said.
Lalthangliana said the State Government has also sought assistance from the UN to control the growing HIV prevalence in Mizoram.
He said he recently met officials of UNAIDS in the US and New Delhi, who promised him all possible helps from their end.
The health minister added that the government is mulling to strengthen Mizoram State AIDS Control Society (MASCS).
Meanwhile, MSACS project director Lalthlengliani said at least 2,416 people have died due to AIDS from January 2006, since Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) was introduced in the State, to September 2019.
It has been estimated that nine people are diagnosed with HIV positive everyday in Mizoram with 2.04 per cent of its total population being currently infected.