Nagaland: Khinchi calls for compassion over stigma for PLHIV

Commissioner and secretary for health and family welfare and chairman of the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS), Anoop Khinchi, called for compassion over stigma and urged the public to uphold the dignity of all on the occasion of World AIDS Day observed at Kisama on December 1
Speaking at the inauguration of the NSACS stall at the Naga Heritage Village, he described the day as a moment to “remember, stand in solidarity, and renew our commitment.” He noted that this year’s theme—‘Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response’—was announced by UNAIDS and the International AIDS Society.
Khinchi highlighted ongoing challenges in the global and national HIV response, including funding gaps, disruptions in prevention services, and the need for a more resilient and transformative approach to achieve the target of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. He stressed that sustained political leadership, international cooperation, and human-rights-centred strategies remain crucial.
“We must not retreat. Instead, we must rebuild our resolve, innovate, and renew our commitment to those living with HIV and those at risk,” he said.
Citing the India HIV Estimates 2023, Khinchi noted that Nagaland continues to record the second-highest adult HIV prevalence in the country at 1.37%, against the national average of 0.21%. As of October 2025, Nagaland’s progress toward the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets stands at 88% for diagnosis, 79% for treatment, and 98% for viral suppression. The state aims to reach all three indicators by 2026, he added.
He stated that success will require collective effort from all sections of society—across age groups, genders, communities, government departments, and private institutions.
Khinchi also pointed to shifting trends in HIV positivity. While prevalence earlier centred on high-risk groups such as persons who inject drugs, sex workers, men who have sex with men, transgender persons, migrants, and prison inmates, recent patterns show a rise among the broader population engaging in risky behaviour but not identifying as high-risk groups. He urged the public to reaffirm three core commitments: compassion over stigma, so that every person is treated with dignity; ensuring access for all, with prevention, testing, treatment, and support reaching even the most vulnerable; and strengthening solidarity to eliminate AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
“If we stand with empathy, act with knowledge, and commit with compassion, we can turn disruption into transformation,” he said.
NSACS Project Director, Dr. Ahu Sekhose, said Nagaland remains among the top ten performing states in the country and is on track to meet WHO’s 95-95-95 goals. He added that while the Northeast continues to show rising trends in new HIV cases, Nagaland is among the top six states likely to sustain the target.
Several ICTC and PPTCT units were also felicitated during the programme, including units from NHAK, Dimapur, Jakhama, Medziphema, Chümoukedima, Peren, and Jalukie.
The program was followed by reading of the pledge, inauguration of stall and release of balloons.