Battling the challenge of HIV/AIDS in Dimapur

The northern part of India comprises of some high HIV prevalence states and some low HIV prevalence states. In India, Mizoram had the highest estimated adult HIV prevalence, followed by Nagaland and Manipur.
The Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) is the key organization working to address HIV/AIDS in the state. Dimapur is identified as the only district where HIV prevalence was higher than 1%. The districts of Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Niuland have an estimated 9,662 people living with HIV.
In Dimapur, owing to its population mix, the risk of HIV is highest among female sex workers; men having sex with men, sharing of needles among drug users and transgenders. Dimapur has the highest HIV prevalence rate compared with other districts in the state. Specifically, a 2020-2021 report indicated Dimapur at 7.41%, is significantly higher than other districts like Kohima, Tuensang and Peren, which also have high positivity rates.
However, the actual number of PLHIVs could be significantly higher due to underreporting and social stigma. Out of the estimated 9,662 PLHIVs, only 3,034 are receiving Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) as of March 2024. This leaves 6,628 individuals without treatment highlighting the urgent need for increased outreach and support services.
From April 2023 to March 2024, a total of 48,777 individuals were tested for HIV across Nagaland with 960 testing positive. Among these, 919 were general clients and 41 were antenatal care clients indicating a significant number of HIV cases among pregnant women.
The reason could be multiple varying from various social stigma and discrimination. It has been focused that such acquisition by an individual is to be provided counseling and proper medication.
It was noted that the prevalence rate was as high among young people such as the age group for adolescents at 13-19 years and young adults at 20-24. Most of the registered cases come from the 13-19 and 20-24 age group who are also under the higher risk category for HIV positive. A significant percentage of people living with HIV are now in their 50s and older. This is due to a combination of factors, including increased life expectancy for those on effective treatment, and a higher proportion of older adults being newly infected.
HIV infection in the elderly people is rarely studied and is generally decreasing in older adult. However, older adults experiences challenges in HIV more than the other age group due to the deteriorating health issues and weaker immune system.
This allows for early diagnosis and management of HIV, helping individuals to live longer and healthier lives.
HIV remains a major global public health issue, having claimed an estimated million lives to date. Transmission is ongoing in all countries globally. HIV is a type of virus which attacks the immune system.
According to NGOs working among PLHIV/AIDS with early diagnosis and effective and effective treatments, most people with HIV may not develop AIDS-related illness and will live a near-normal lifespan. They will however require to continue treatment but have to adhere to preventive measures from spreading the virus. The higher someone’s viral load, the more likely that person could transmit HIV, especially if untreated.