Mizram’s battle against HIV shows signs of hope, despite the persistent stigma The latest India news

For years, Mizram has faced a large burden of HIV, leading primarily by drug abuse and unprotected sex. With an amazing HIV prevalence rate for adults of 2.73%, ten times higher than the national average, the crisis seemed to be insurmountable. However, in a significant change, recent trends indicate that the rate of new infections has been declining since 2017, offering a glow of hope in the state fight against the deadly virus.

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“It cannot be denied that the prevalence of HIV adult in Mizram is high. At 2.73%, we stay ten times above the national average. It is a big and horrible figure, ”said Ralte. Despite the dark statistics, the state has registered a constant decrease in HIV incidence in its peak in 2017. In the last six years, the incidence rate to 1,000 uninfected persons has decreased by 42%.

“In our initial fight against the virus, Mizram was neglected. However, since 2017, an integrated action plan has been developed and, since then, we have witnessed a decrease in HIV incidence, ”said Ralte.

Another promising indicator is the reduction of deaths caused by the disease. Between 2010 and 2023, the state obtained an 80.76% discount on deaths, easily exceeding the objective of the National AIDS (NACP) control program in phase V of an 80% reduction. Ralte warned that, although it should be done more, it was an encouraging sign that the epidemic combating efforts have achieved results.

The unprotected sex and the sharing of infected syringes continue to be the primary factors of HIV transmission to Mizoram. Sexual transmission represents 67% of cases, while 30.44% of infections occur by intravenous drug use.

“Despite the massive awareness campaigns, it is sad to see that the main transmission modes remain unprotected and infected syringes. The unhealthy need to imitate the vices of Western culture among young people, accompanied by the easy availability of heroin and other drugs, has created increased vulnerability to HIV, ”said Ralte.

The 510 km long border of Mizram with Myanmar also contributed to the crisis, because the state became a drug smuggling. The influent’s influx has fueled intravenous drug use, increasing the risk of HIV transmission.

Beyond the medical challenges, a major obstacle in Mizram’s struggle against HIV is the deep stigma that surrounds the disease. The fear of social ostracization discourages many vulnerable individuals to test or seek treatment. “Stigmatization is still a great concern. HIV-positive people are evacuated by the owners, dismissed from the workplace and the company. Many of those who live with HIV have acquired the virus through sexual contact or drug use – activities that are already stigmatized. This makes it even harder for them to appear, “said Vanlalruati Colney, president of the positive women’s network (PWRM), a support group for women living with HIV.

HIV/AIDS activist and MSACS social media influencer, CZ Ralte echoed similar feelings. “I can wear my own burden as a victim of stigma, but the hardest part is to see my children intimidated just because it happens to be the children of a HIV-positive mother.”

Ralte emphasized the urgent need to approach the stigma, saying that it remains a major barrier for testing and treatment. “The fear of stigma prevents people from testing, looking for care and accession to treatment. We need to end this to make sure that people living with HIV receive the support they need. “

The religious institutions in Mizram have played a crucial role in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The Presbyterian Church, the largest Christian name in the state, has been actively involved in the sensitization and reduction of stigma through its social front committee. “The Social Mizram Synod front encourages open and inclusive discussions on sexuality issues, genre -based violence and intravenous drug use. By approaching these topics both from a theological and ethical perspective, we intend to empower the communities to be less vulnerable to HIV, ”said LathmingMawia, coordinator of the Social Synod front. The involvement of the church has contributed to the reduction of gaps in education and support, creating a more compassionate environment for those affected by the disease.

Despite the challenges, MSACS remains hopeful, citing the low tendency of HIV as a sign that their efforts have an impact. In 2017, the state registered the highest incidence rate of HIV to 1.76% per 1,000 uninfected persons. Today, this figure has decreased to 1.02%. “The reality is still bleak, but at least now we go to the brighter part of this nightmare,” Ralte said.

MSACS is committed to adhere to the UNAIDS 95-95-95 strategy to put an end to the HIV epidemic. According to this strategy, 72% of the people living with HIV in Mizram know their status; 90.50% of those diagnosed receive sustained antiretroviral therapy (art) and 96% of those in Art obtained viral suppression. “Even if the statistics are against us and, despite the many obstacles, we do our best to reduce the epidemic and help the people who live with HIV to lead healthy, long lives,” said Ralte.

As part of their innovative project, MSACS offered rear pocket jackets to keep condoms on riders with 2 taxi. And provided chair pockets for the automatic rickshaws to keep condoms.

Mizram’s battle against HIV/AIDS is far from end. The high prevalence rate remains a major problem for public health, but the low tendency of new infections and HIV deaths offers hope. Through sustained awareness campaigns, increased access to testing and treatment, community support and the crucial role of faith based organizations, Mizram returns the wave against HIV. With this renewed commitment and knowing the importance of combating the disease on a united front, all 40 members of the legislative assembly of Mizram donated RS. 50,000 each of their discretionary fund. The exemplary movement made by MLA has shown that the state moves together to a future in which HIV is no longer a huge crisis, but a controlled and manageable one.

“We fought hard to reach this point,” Ralte said. “Now, we must continue to push before until we reach the final goal.”