Ever present danger

HIV/AIDS remains a grave concern in Nagaland, with the disease devastating thousands of lives and posing significant risks to millions more. First detected in the state in 1990, the epidemic has reached alarming levels. After decades of having undertaken various programmes aimed at tackling HIV, Nagaland’s prevalence rate of 1.61% poses grave concern, as the statistic reveals the state as the second highest in HIV prevalence in India, only surpassed by Mizoram’s 2.34%. Prevalence rate is the percentage of people in a specific population who are infected with HIV at a specific time. It is calculated as the number of people living with HIV divided by the total population, multiplied by 100 to get a percentage. Data from the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) underscores the severity of the situation. From April to October 2022 alone, 1,315 new cases were identified, bringing the cumulative total since 2006 to a staggering 31,152 cases. Tragically, the disease has claimed 2,619 lives as of October 2022, underscoring its lethal impact. Despite years of awareness campaigns and interventions, these statistics reveal gaps in the effectiveness of existing programs. While the state has made efforts to curb the spread of the virus, the fight against HIV/AIDS requires renewed focus and a comprehensive approach. Awareness alone is insufficient; a robust and sustained effort involving all stakeholders is essential. Particularly troubling is the prevalence of HIV among children under 14 years of age. In 2022, 68 cases were reported, adding to a cumulative 1,298 cases since 2007. This statistic highlights the urgent need to address the vulnerabilities of children and ensure robust preventive measures and access to healthcare. Another critical aspect of the crisis is the link between HIV and substance abuse. Nagaland ranks among the top 10 states in India for People Who Inject Drugs (PWID). Opioid use in the state stands at 25.2%, followed by sedative use at 9.6%, cannabis use at 4.6%, and alcohol use at 8.1%. The correlation between drug use and HIV transmission is evident, as injecting drug use accounts for 6.7% of HIV cases in the state, while sexual transmission remains the leading cause at 87%.Quite revealing is that data that about 21% of HIV-positive cases in Nagaland are among individuals below the age of 24. The HIV Sentinel Surveillance of 2021 further highlights a troubling trend: HIV prevalence among Injecting Drug Users (IDU) rose from 1.3% in 2017 to 2.24% in 2021. Historical data reveals that in 2002, Tuensang recorded an 8% HIV prevalence rate among antenatal clinic attendees. By 2021, the overall prevalence rate in the general population stood at 1.61%.HIV/AIDS is preventable but not curable. This fundamental truth must drive concerted action across government and private institutions, civil society, and the public at large. Educational campaigns must target vulnerable populations, while healthcare systems need to ensure access to testing, treatment, and support for those affected. Thus, addressing drug abuse through harm-reduction strategies and rehabilitation programs is crucial in stemming the tide of new infections. Nagaland stands at a crossroads in its battle against HIV/AIDS. Without urgent and collective action, the epidemic threatens to spiral into a full-blown catastrophe. Preventing this requires a unified commitment to safeguarding lives, supporting those affected, and building a future where HIV/AIDS no longer casts a shadow over the state.