Is Nagaland's HIV Rate the Highest in India?
According to Nagaland’s Economic Survey 2023-24, the HIV/AIDS prevalence among adults aged 15 to 49 is 1.36%, which is much higher than the national average of 0.2%.
HIV Prevalence in Nagaland
Among the general population of Nagaland, the prevalence rate is slightly higher at 1.61%, as noted in the survey. From 2006 to 2023, about 1.6 million blood samples were tested, and 33,396 people were found to be HIV positive.
In the most recent period, during 2023-24, 1.17% of the screened blood samples were found to be HIV-positive. Alarmingly, 2.06% of children under the age of 14 tested positive for the virus.
Gender Disparities Among Children
The survey revealed that among HIV-positive children under 14, 53.7% were boys, while 46.3% were girls. Since 2007, 1,385 children in this age group have tested positive for HIV.
HIV Treatment and Mortality
Nagaland has registered 26,419 HIV-positive patients at its Antiretroviral Therapy Centres (ARTC). Of these, 21,110 patients are currently undergoing antiretroviral therapy (ART). Unfortunately, 3,116 individuals who were receiving ART have passed away.
Currently, 6,205 men, 6,332 women, 12 transgender individuals, and 748 children—including 370 girls—are alive and undergoing ART in the state.
National Context: India's HIV/AIDS Progress
The India HIV Estimations 2023 report highlights that over 2.5 million people in India are living with HIV. However, sustained efforts have kept the national adult prevalence rate at 0.2%. The annual number of new HIV infections has dropped to 66,400, marking a 44% reduction since 2010, which outpaces the global reduction rate of 39%.
Way Forward
Nagaland’s data underscores the need for heightened awareness, stronger prevention measures, and improved access to treatment. The disparity between the state and national prevalence rates highlights the importance of targeted interventions to curb the spread of HIV in the region.
Conclusion
While India has made significant strides in combating HIV/AIDS, Nagaland’s higher prevalence rates call for urgent action. Collaborative efforts between the government, healthcare providers, and communities will be crucial in addressing this public health challenge effectively.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
