Chümoukedima, August 12 — Nagaland has recorded a 39.97 percent reduction in new HIV infections and an 80.21 percent decline in AIDS-related deaths since 2010, Health and Family Welfare Minister P Paiwang Konyak said as he launched the third round of the Intensified Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Campaign on HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at the Agri Expo, 4th Mile, Chümoukedima. Konyak said the figures show that prevention, early diagnosis and uninterrupted treatment can make a significant difference. “Since 2010, Nagaland has recorded a 39.97 percent reduction in new HIV infections and an 80.21 percent decline in AIDS-related deaths,” he said.
Referring to the National AIDS Control Organisation’s (NACO) HIV Estimation 2025, the minister warned that prevalence varies across districts and called for locally tailored responses. The campaign, organised by the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) under NACO, aims to strengthen awareness on HIV and STIs, promote prevention and early testing, tackle stigma and discrimination, and improve access to health services statewide.
Konyak acknowledged support from the Government of India and NACO and highlighted the Mobilization for AIDS Suraksha (MAS) approach as a framework for district-led, evidence-based interventions. He noted that the first two rounds of the campaign reached over 1,300 village meetings, more than 1,000 schools and 200 colleges, carried out over 7,600 door-to-door awareness drives, and engaged directly with more than 200,000 citizens.
The minister stressed that success should be measured not by activity counts but by lives reached, increases in testing and treatment uptake, and reductions in stigma. He urged a stronger push for the triple elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B, saying every pregnant woman must have access to testing and timely intervention.
Konyak appealed to district administrations, healthcare workers, community leaders, churches, educational institutions, civil society organisations and representatives of vulnerable communities to take ownership of the campaign, adding that government action alone will not suffice.
In the keynote address, S Tainiu, Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, NCS, said the third round will take the response closer to communities through evidence-based action, focusing on awareness, safer practices, stigma reduction, testing and reaching youth and vulnerable groups. She urged improved coordination to deliver services to far‑flung areas where terrain and connectivity hinder healthcare access.
Dr S Manyau Phom, Project Director of NSACS, delivered the welcome address. After the programme, Konyak flagged off an IEC Campaign 2026 bike rally of 25 riders carrying HIV and STI awareness messages and launched five “Health on Bike” outreach motorbikes to bolster services in Niuland, Tseminyu, Tuensang, Longchem (Mokokchung) and Tobu (Mon). Short speeches were given by Dr Mereninla Senlem and Dr Tinojongshi Chang. The event drew senior government and health officials, district administrators, District Health Programme Officers, NGOs, teachers, students and community leaders.
Original Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/nagaland-records-40-decline-in-new-hiv-infections-since-2010
Category: Nagaland
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Publish Date: 2026-08-12 23:25:00
