Mizoram's HIV Crisis: A Collective Call for Action
Mizoram's Health Minister highlights a troubling rise in HIV infections due to sexual contact, calling it a collective disgrace. She emphasizes fidelity and condoms as key preventive measures, urging society to discard stigmas. The minister also launched the 'Love Brigade 2.0' to improve condom access.
- Country:
- India
Mizoram Health Minister Lalrinpuii has raised alarms over the rising rate of HIV infections in the state, attributing 70% of cases to sexual transmission. Speaking during International Condom Day in Aizawl, she described the situation as a 'collective disgrace' for the Mizo community.
With the state’s HIV prevalence rate at 2.74%, significantly higher than the national average of 0.2%, Lalrinpuii urged the community to adhere to moral and religious values by promoting fidelity and using preventive measures. She stressed that condoms, recognized by WHO as effective, should not be stigmatized.
In a bid to normalize condom use, the 'Love Brigade 2.0' campaign was launched, featuring two-wheeler taxi riders equipped with 'Love Brigade Condom Jackets' to distribute condoms discreetly. Lalrinpuii also advised abstaining from premarital sex while advocating for condom use among sexually active individuals.
Google News