The consistent rise in HIV/AIDS cases in Nagaland, particularly in Dimapur, is a deeply troubling issue that demands urgent action. HIV transmission showed an alarming trend when 960 individuals (general and ANC) from Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Niuland districts tested HIV positive out of the 48,777 individuals tested between April 2023 and March 2024.Despite repeated warnings and numerous awareness programs dating back to the 1990s, the number of infections has not just persisted but escalated over the decades. This unresolved public health crisis paints a troubling picture of both the state’s vulnerability and the gaps in existing preventive measures. In the early 1990s, Manipur showed the highest HIV prevalence, followed by Maharashtra, Mizoram, and Nagaland. Fast forward to today, Mizoram and Nagaland have alarmingly taken the top two spots for HIV prevalence, surpassing all other states and union territories nationwide. Notably, around 21% of those living with HIV in Nagaland are under the age of 24. This statistic is particularly distressing as it underscores the infection’s impact on the state’s youth, the demographic that should ideally be the most protected. As of January 2025, data from the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) reveals that Nagaland has 14,830 people living with HIV (PLHIV), a significant proportion of whom are undergoing antiretroviral treatment (ART).An even more troubling dimension is the high HIV prevalence among children below 14 years of age-a grim reflection of the state’s failure to protect its most vulnerable. This calls into question the effectiveness of social structures, health education, and institutional interventions designed to safeguard young lives. Dimapur, often regarded as Nagaland’s commercial capital, reveals a darker side that compounds this health crisis. Media reports over recent years expose an underbelly rife with exploitation, including underage involvement in immoral activities and nightlife scenes that promote risky behaviors. In the past, vigilante actions targeting establishments where minors engaged in such activities brought temporary attention, but similar concerns persist today with reports of “disco bars” and lounges functioning as hubs for underage drinking, illicit rendezvous, and potential human trafficking. Nighttime disturbances marked by drunken brawls and even shootings add to the perilous atmosphere. These situations highlight an urgent need for legal crackdowns and stringent regulation to curb not only public nuisance but also the hidden networks that facilitate immoral trafficking. Despite years of ongoing awareness campaigns and interventions, these figures reveal serious deficiencies in the current fight against HIV/AIDS in Nagaland. Awareness alone has proven inadequate. The situation demands a renewed and comprehensive strategy that actively engages all stakeholders-government agencies, civil society, healthcare providers, and the community at large. Such a multifaceted approach is crucial to both prevent new infections and support those currently affected. The HIV crisis in Nagaland is not a distant problem; it is a pressing public health emergency needing immediate and sustained action. Addressing barriers to treatment, upgrading preventive frameworks, and strengthening social support mechanisms are vital steps toward curbing the epidemic. The troubling statistics and underlying societal realities highlighted here must serve as a clarion call for decisive intervention. There is no longer room for complacency-the time to act decisively to reverse the tide of HIV and secure a healthier future for Nagaland and its people is now.
Saturday, June 28, 2025