Aizawl, Feb 7: Mizoram Health Minister Lalrinpuii on February 6 stressed the need to prioritise a behavioural approach as the first line of defence against new HIV infections amid growing concern over rising cases in the Northeastern region.
Addressing the North East Multimedia Campaign, Red Fest, in Aizawl, the minister said renewed emphasis must be placed on the ‘ABC’ approach — abstinence, being faithful to one partner, and correct and consistent use of condoms — which she described as the most effective means of preventing and controlling HIV transmission. She said returning to these basic principles was essential to ensure a risk-free future for the youth.
The event was jointly organised by the Mizoram State AIDS Control Society and the National AIDS Control Organisation with the objective of promoting HIV/AIDS awareness across the Northeastern states. Lalrinpuii said the campaign sought to educate young people about HIV/AIDS, encourage healthy lifestyles and responsible behaviour, improve access to treatment for those affected and eliminate stigma associated with the disease.
Expressing concern over the high HIV prevalence in the region, the minister urged Northeastern states to strengthen collective efforts to prevent further spread of the infection. She said the region continued to record the highest HIV prevalence in the country and added that with unity, sustained effort and hope, controlling HIV/AIDS remained an achievable goal.
Chief Secretary Khilli Ram Meena, who was also present at the event, said discrimination continued to pose a major challenge to HIV testing and treatment. He stressed that collective responsibility and empathy were crucial to creating a society where people living with HIV could live with dignity and equal opportunity.
Officials said Mizoram, Nagaland and Manipur were the only states in the country with HIV prevalence rates near or exceeding one per cent, making them the highest burden states nationally. Despite progress in preventive measures, Mizoram continued to record the highest adult HIV prevalence rate at 2.73 per cent, compared to the national average of 0.20 per cent. However, the state had witnessed a steady decline in new HIV infections since 2018 and improved its standing in the national HIV prevention ranking, moving from fifth position in 2024–25 to third in 2025–26, officials added.
