DIMAPUR, Sept 20 � While the number of new HIV cases across the world are said to be decreasing, Nagaland has a different story to tell. Of the 41,221 samples tested since April 2014, 838 persons have been found to be HIV positive, according to the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS). As per the data, 170 new HIV cases per month at an average can be estimated.
A press release issued by the NSCACS IEC today on the current scenario of HIV and AIDS in the State revealed that out of the 838 positive cases detected during the past five months, Dimapur district has a high prevalence, leading the chart with more than half (427 positive cases), indicating about 80 new cases per month on an average.
Kohima district trails with 159 testing positive during the same period while Tuensang had 80 cases, Mokokchung 53 cases, Mon 11, Zunheboto 13, Phek and Wokha 17 each, Peren 23, Kiphire 34 and Longleng four cases, the least in the State.
The NSACS report also stated that 314 AIDS cases and 31 AIDS related deaths have been reported from April to August this year.
These statistics, although alarming, only indicate enrolled/registered figures and many people living with HIV and AIDS (PLHIVs) are yet to come out in the open with their status due to stigma and discrimination. The society needs to realise and understand that HIV and AIDS is a concept that has to be discussed beyond the NGOs working in HIV and AIDS related fields.
According to NSACS, the current HIV and AIDS prevalence rate in the State is 2.03 per cent which is a lot higher than the national prevalence rate of 0.27 per cent in 2013.
