Mizoram Reports Highest Adult HIV Prevalence in India Despite Prevention Progress
Mizoram's HIV Statistics
Aizawl, Jan 10: Mizoram has the highest adult HIV prevalence rate in India, standing at 2.75%, significantly higher than the national average of 0.20%. This alarming statistic comes despite improvements in the state's preventive measures.
Between April 2024 and November 2025, over 1.4 lakh blood samples were tested, revealing that 3,257 individuals, including 953 women and 179 pregnant women, were diagnosed with HIV.
The state has made strides in HIV prevention, moving from 5th to 3rd place in the national ranking for HIV prevention efforts, as reported by Dr. Jane R Ralte, Project Director of the Mizoram State AIDS Control Society (MSACS).
"Mizoram has made significant advancements on the National AIDS Control Organisation’s (NACO) scorecard regarding preventive measures and response initiatives. The number of new HIV infections has been on a steady decline since 2018," Ralte stated.
However, she emphasized that the state still leads the country in adult HIV prevalence, particularly among individuals aged 25 to 34.
Analyzing transmission patterns, Ralte noted that 70.4% of new cases were sexually transmitted, 27.3% were linked to needle sharing among intravenous drug users, 1.8% were from parent-to-child transmission, and 0.8% were from unidentified sources.
Health Minister Lalrinpuii mentioned that the state government is enhancing efforts to combat HIV spread through various interventions.
Currently, 14 antiretroviral therapy (ART) centers are operational in Mizoram, with 18,355 patients receiving ART treatment.
The government is also exploring partnerships with churches to raise awareness and promote HIV testing prior to marriage.
Mizoram's first HIV-positive case was identified in October 1990, and since then, a total of 33,781 cases have been reported. Officials estimate that 26,321 individuals are currently living with HIV in the state.
Since the introduction of ART treatment in 2005, at least 5,026 individuals have succumbed to AIDS-related complications, according to an MSACS official.