Rukusheyi Rhakho | DotTalks Reporter
Another alarming scenario arising in the Naga society, HIV cases have risen to an alarming rate with an average of 175 new cases a month.
Nagaland has recorded 24,039 HIV positive cases since 1999 and ranks third after Mizoram and Manipur in HIV prevalence with 1.15%, 0.9% above the national prevalence rate and this is in context to those taking the test, unofficial estimates rise much higher.
According to data from the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS), the total figures are updated till August 2018. The data reveals that in just five months (April 2018-August 2018), 876 new cases were detected out of 37,595 tests carried out in 11 districts, indicating a steep climb of 175 new HIV cases per month at an average. Dimapur topped the district-wise breakup with 488 positive cases while Kohima and Tuensang followed with 131 and 106 cases respectively. Mokokchung registered 54 new cases during the stated period, Wokha with 22, Kiphire and Peren 17 each, Zunheboto 15, Phek 14 and Mon 12. Longleng was the only district that registered nil HIV cases out of 977 persons who tested their blood. 91% of the new cases belong to the age group of 15 to 49 and the route of transmission for 90% of the cases is through sexual contact.
To know all about HIV prevention, check out this link. https://aidsinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv-aids/fact-sheets/20/48/the-basics-of-hiv-prevention
SOURCE: THE MORUNG EXPRESS (Dated 21-02-2019)
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