Photo Courtesy: nenow
Kohima: Nagaland Health and Family Welfare Minister P Paiwang Konyak announced a major shift in public health data on Wednesday. New HIV infections in the state dropped 39 percent since 2010. AIDS-related deaths plummeted by 80 percent during that same timeframe. These gains stem from early diagnosis, sustained prevention, and steady treatment access.
Konyak spoke at the Agri Expo in Chumoukedima to launch the third round of an intensified Information, Education and Communication campaign. The event coincided with International Youth Day. Despite the progress, HIV remains a heavy public health burden. Konyak noted that regional data from the National AIDS Control Organisation HIV Estimation 2025 shows infection rates vary by district. Responses must match those local needs.
The Nagaland State AIDS Control Society manages the campaign. It focuses on boosting awareness, fighting stigma, and increasing testing. Konyak insisted that young people are essential to these efforts. He said, "Young people must be treated as active partners in shaping the present."
Previous campaign cycles hit impressive benchmarks. They reached 1,300 village meetings, 1,000 schools, and 200 colleges. Teams completed 7,600 door-to-door drives and spoke directly to 200,000 people. Konyak wants the new phase to prioritize real-world results over simple activity counts. Success depends on lower stigma and higher testing numbers.
Updated at 13th August 2026 at 1:48am
Precise figures show the decline is even sharper than initial estimates, with new HIV infections down 39.97 percent and deaths falling 80.21 percent since 2010. Minister Konyak introduced the Mobilisation for AIDS Suraksha (MAS) framework, a strategy meant to drive district-led, evidence-based interventions. The state is also gunning for the triple elimination of mother-to-child transmission covering HIV, syphilis, and Hepatitis B, mandating testing and care for every pregnant woman.
The rollout included a bike rally featuring 25 riders and the launch of five 'Health on Bike' outreach units. These motorcycles aim to bridge the service gap in remote, hard-to-reach locations like Niuland, Tseminyu, Tuensang, Longchem, and Tobu. Health Secretary S. Tainiu emphasized that moving resources into these tough, isolated terrains is a priority for the new cycle.
Konyak put the onus on community leaders, churches, and local administrations to take full ownership of the campaign. He stated, 'The Government of Nagaland remained committed to strengthening HIV prevention, treatment and care, but added that the response could not be addressed by the Government alone.'
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