512 new HIV cases reported in Nagaland

Dimapur, September 4, 2014: Altogether 512 new HIV cases were reported in Nagaland in just a span of three months this year. Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) data revealed that out of 24,872 tests carried out in Integrated Counseling and Testing Centres (ICTCs) across the State during April-June 2014, 512 persons tested positive.

The figure is particularly alarming as it shows a rough trend of about 170 new HIV cases per month on an average. It may also be noted that the figures are procured from ICTCs which are linked with government health institutions excluding private hospitals and clinics that run HIV tests.

The report was presented by an NSACS official during an advocacy meeting on HIV and AIDS in Kohima recently.

The official stated that the current HIV and AIDS prevalence rate in the State is 0.73 per cent. This is higher than the national prevalence rate 0.27 per cent (2013).

Source: Assam Tribune