Mizoram has frequently drawn national attention for having one of the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in the country. Public discourse has often focused on both the causes behind the high incidence and the government’s response, with the state’s Health Minister Lalrinpuii regularly addressing the issue in official forums.
At an event marking International Condom Day in February, organised by the Mizoram State AIDS Control Society in collaboration with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, the Health Minister stated that nearly 70 per cent of HIV transmissions in the state occur through sexual contact.
She pointed out that while the national prevalence rate is around 0.2 per cent, Mizoram’s has risen to 2.74 per cent, describing it as “a matter of concern for Mizo society.”
However, remarks made by Lalrinpuii on March 17 have triggered widespread debate. Speaking at the inauguration of a State Resource Centre for HIV/AIDS, the Health Minister noted that despite over three decades of awareness campaigns, infection rates remain high.
She urged the Church to play a stronger role in prevention efforts, suggesting that couples should be required to undergo HIV testing before marriage.
While the national prevalence rate is around 0.2 per cent, Mizoram’s has risen to 2.74 per cent
While some have supported the proposal as a preventive measure, others, including church leaders and civil society members, have criticised it as controversial and potentially discriminatory.
A church leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, told EastMojo, “Is the Health Minister being careless, or unaware that this could amount to discrimination against people living with HIV? Under the HIV/AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017, a person’s HIV status must remain strictly confidential. It should not be disclosed, even to partners, without due process. This is a personal right. Such measures do not align with the role of the Church.”
The concerns come amid alarming data released by MSACS. Between April and December 2025, Mizoram recorded 3,354 new HIV infections, with unsafe sexual practices continuing to be the primary mode of transmission.
Out of 1,51,221 blood samples tested during this period, the positivity rate stood at 3.02 per cent among males and 2.28 per cent among females, while it was significantly lower at 0.51 per cent among antenatal care attendees.
Nearly 89 per cent of new infections, or 2,813 cases, were reported among individuals aged 15–49, highlighting the concentration of the epidemic within the economically active population.
The 25–34 age group alone accounted for 1,193 cases. Additionally, 59 HIV-positive cases were reported among children below 14 years, and 299 among those above 50.
Since the first detection of HIV in Mizoram in October 1990, a total of 33,878 cases have been recorded. As of December 2025, 18,224 people were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART).
Concerns over stigma and privacy have also been raised by citizens. Sangsangi, a businesswoman, said discrimination remains widespread.
“Stigma is already so prevalent, and such a statement from a minister is troubling. Whether a result is positive or negative, it is confidential and cannot be shared without the patient’s consent. There is no justification for disclosing it to untrained individuals,” she said.
Voices from within the HIV-positive community have echoed similar concerns. Vanlalruati questioned both the legality and the impact of such measures, noting that while testing and awareness are important, making certificates mandatory is not legally valid and risks doing more harm than good.
She pointed out that such requirements could discourage people from disclosing their status, as fear of stigma or possible exclusion may outweigh the benefits of testing. Instead of encouraging openness and care, these measures may push individuals further into silence.
Vanlalruati emphasised that the real gaps lie in prevention, treatment, and support systems. According to her, ensuring consistent access to treatment is key to reducing transmission, but this must be accompanied by compassion and understanding within communities.
She raised some questions, asking, “If your daughter, son, or relative is HIV positive, would you be able to speak about it publicly? Would you feel comfortable praying with them in church or standing by them openly? Many people still cannot, the stigma is still far too strong. Because of this fear and shame, people choose to hide their status instead of seeking support, even when openness would be better for them.”
“Even though awareness is relatively high, maybe 80 out of 100 people understand HIV, why does stigma still persist? I believe it is because we don’t apply this knowledge in our own lives. We don’t consistently practise safe sex, even though we know it is important and can prevent many diseases. What we need now is deeper awareness and meaningful change going forward,” she added.
Also Read: How fossils of Manipur challenge our idea of climate stability
Stories like this one take time, travel, and trust. Your support — however small — keeps our reporters in the field.
Scan to pay via UPI