Saitual has become the first and only district in Mizoram to achieve ‘Surakshit’ status under the National AIDS Control Organisation’s Mobilisation AIDS Suraksha campaign. The district met all three targets of the 95-95-95 HIV control strategy in the August 2026 assessment. These targets cover HIV status awareness, access to antiretroviral treatment and viral load suppression. Officials credited sustained testing, awareness work and support from NGOs, churches and community leaders. The achievement is being seen as an important step in Mizoram’s continuing efforts to control HIV transmission.How Did Saitual Achieve Surakshit Status?Saitual qualified for the ‘Surakshit’ category after meeting all three 95-95-95 benchmarks under NACO’s Mobilisation AIDS Suraksha, or MAS, campaign. The strategy aims to ensure that most people living with HIV know their status, diagnosed people receive treatment and those on treatment achieve viral suppression. Officials said continued testing and regular treatment will remain important to maintain the progress.95% of people living with HIV should know their status.95% of diagnosed people should receive antiretroviral therapy.95% of people on treatment should achieve viral load suppression.Saitual met all three targets in the August assessment.It is currently the only district in Mizoram to receive ‘Surakshit’ status.Mizoram’s HIV Control EffortsThe Mobilisation AIDS Suraksha campaign was launched in February 2026 to strengthen district-level efforts to break the chain of HIV transmission. Under the programme, districts are assessed according to their performance against the three 95-95-95 targets. Districts meeting none or one target are classified as ‘Sangharshee’, while those meeting two are categorised as ‘Saksham’. Districts meeting all three receive ‘Surakshit’ status.Saitual’s achievement comes against the backdrop of Mizoram’s long-running HIV response. According to the Mizoram State AIDS Control Society, 34,930 HIV-positive cases had been detected in the state since the first case was reported in October 1990. The agency reported that 29,217 patients had registered for antiretroviral therapy, with 26,382 receiving treatment as of the latest figures reported in July 2026.Also Read: H1N1 Surge: 7 Warning Signs People With Diabetes Should Never IgnoreCommunity Support Drives ProgressDeputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Zothanpari Chhakchhuak credited Saitual Deputy Commissioner Srinivas Sadi along with NGOs, churches and community leaders for supporting HIV testing and awareness activities. Their involvement helped expand efforts to encourage people to learn their HIV status and access care. Officials have stressed that the milestone should be sustained through continued testing and treatment adherence.Key HighlightsSaitual is Mizoram’s first district to achieve ‘Surakshit’ HIV status.The status was awarded under NACO’s Mobilisation AIDS Suraksha campaign.The district met all three 95-95-95 HIV control targets.The assessment confirming the achievement was conducted in August 2026.NGOs, churches and community leaders supported testing and awareness efforts.Officials urged continued HIV testing and regular ART to sustain progress.What Happens After Surakshit?Saitual’s achievement does not mean HIV prevention work is complete. Health officials have urged continued large-scale testing so people know their HIV status and encouraged people living with HIV to remain on antiretroviral treatment regularly. Under the MAS framework, a higher ‘Surakshit+’ category is associated with achieving the three 95-95-95 targets along with zero mother-to-child transmission of HIV.ConclusionSaitual’s recognition as Mizoram’s first ‘Surakshit’ district marks a significant development in the state’s HIV response. Meeting all three 95-95-95 targets reflects progress in diagnosis, treatment access and viral suppression. Officials have nevertheless emphasised that sustained testing, awareness and treatment adherence will be necessary to protect the gains achieved. The milestone also highlights the role of government agencies, healthcare workers and community organisations in strengthening HIV prevention and care.Disclaimer: This article is provided only for knowledge and news-information purposes. It does not replace professional medical advice or official health guidance.
