The Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) inaugurated its stall at the Hornbill Festival venue, Kisama, in commemoration of World AIDS Day 2025, observed annually on December 1. The event highlighted the global theme for 2025 — “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response” — as announced by UNAIDS and the International AIDS Society (IAS).
Speaking on the occasion, Anoop Khinchi, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, and Chairman, NSACS, emphasized the significance of the day as one of remembrance, solidarity, and renewed commitment.
He underlined the need to address disruptions to HIV prevention services, funding challenges, and the changing landscape of HIV vulnerability.
He noted that Nagaland continues to have the second-highest Adult HIV Prevalence Rate in India at 1.37%, compared to the national average of 0.21% (India HIV Estimates 2023). The state is working in alignment with the UNAIDS 95–95–95 targets to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
As of October 2025, Nagaland’s progress stands at: 88% for the first 95 (people who know their HIV status); 79% for the second 95 (people receiving treatment); and 98% for the third 95 (people who are virally suppressed).
Nagaland aims to achieve the full 95–95–95 goals by 2026, a target Khinchi said would be possible only through collective effort across all sectors, communities, and age groups.
He also highlighted a shifting trend: HIV positivity is gradually moving from traditional high-risk groups — including PWID, FSW, MSM, TG, prison inmates, and migrants — to the general “at-risk” population engaging in risky behaviors.
Calling for compassion and solidarity, he urged society to champion dignity and non-discrimination; universal access to HIV services, and unified action across communities, government, and civil society.
In his address, Dr Ahu Sekhose, Project Director, NSACS noted that World AIDS Day is observed across all districts of Nagaland, reflecting widespread commitment to the cause. He expressed pride that Nagaland has been ranked among the top 10 performing states in HIV programme implementation nationwide.
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Despite rising HIV trends across many Northeastern states, Nagaland has managed to remain on track, he said owing to strong participation from civil society, NGOs, activists, and informed youth. The state has also been shortlisted among six states in India expected to achieve the WHO-endorsed 95–95–95 targets by 2030, provided current momentum continues.
Dr Sekhose acknowledged the active involvement of Red Ribbon Clubs and encouraged their continued partnership in spreading awareness among students and communities.
The inauguration programme featured a special song by Senchumo Lotha from Japfü Christian College, Kohima after whom The World AIDS Day pledge was done and Inauguration of the NSACS stall, and a symbolic balloon release marking solidarity in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Felicitation of ICTCs
As part of the observance, 10 Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTCs) were felicitated for their exemplary service:
Kohima
- PPTCT, NHAK
- ICTC, NHAK
- ICTC Jakhama
- ICTC (CHC) Viswema
Dimapur
- ICTC DH Dimapur
- PPTCT DH Dimapur
- ICTC (CHC) Medziphema
- ICTC (PHC) Chümoukedima
Peren
- ICTC DH Peren
- ICTC (CHC) Jalukie
