Nagaland has highest HIV prevalence among pregnant women in India

NSACS launches Integrated Health Campaign in Dimapur

DIMAPUR — Nagaland has the highest HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) prevalence among pregnant women in India, according to Dr. Zaiwang, Deputy Director of STI and Nodal Officer for the Integrated Health Campaign (IHC) at the National AIDS Control Society (NSACS).

Addressing the launch of the IHC for Dimapur district on Tuesday, Dr. Zaiwang said 41 pregnant women tested positive for HIV in Dimapur district, including Chümoukedima and Niuland districts, between April 2023 and March 2024.

A total of 960 people tested positive for HIV during that period, with 41 being pregnant women and 919 being among the general population, she said.

Notable, among the general population in India, the HIV prevalence rate is 0.22%, with Mizoram having the highest prevalence at 2.3%, followed by Nagaland at 1.61% and Manipur at 1.18%, Dr. Zaiwang said.

There are 9,662 people living with HIV in Dimapur, Chümoukedima, and Niuland districts, with 6,559 receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), she added.

On the mode of implementation of IHC, she informed that the campaign is targeting key high-risk groups (HRGs) and other vulnerable populations between the ages of 15-49 years who engage in high risk injecting practices or sexual behaviour.

From April 2023 to March 2024, 93 HRGs out of 10,606 tested positive for HIV, she added.

For the campaign, she said that they have identified various camp sites and villages to reach out to the larger general population with a comprehensive service package to avoid any stigma and discrimination.

The campaign aims to reach out to the general population through 23 camps held from May 21 to June 29, across 55 identified sites based on positivity rates and vulnerable population prevalence, Zaiwang said.

Highlighting the alarmingly high HIV prevalence rate in the state which exceeds the national average, Executive Assistant Commissioner of Dimapur, Imlijungla Lemtur, emphasised that it is not only the medical departments and the NSACS but also the general public and society who need to play bigger roles for the success of the camp.

She also expressed concern about the stigma associated with HIV, stating that stigmatisation makes it harder for people to come forward for testing. Society needs to find a way for people to live normal lives even after being diagnosed with HIV, she added.

Meanwhile, project director of NSACS, Dr. Ahu Sekhose said that approximately 22,185 people are estimated to be HIV positive in Nagaland, but there are only 17,581 people registered, out of which 13,000 are receiving treatment.

He also highlighted the 95-95-95 targets, whereby 95% of people living with HIV should be diagnosed, 95% of those diagnosed with HIV should be receiving ART and 95% of those receiving ART should achieve viral suppression.