Saitual has become the first and only district in Mizoram to achieve ‘Surakshit’ status under the National AIDS Control Organisation’s (NACO) Mobilisation AIDS Suraksha (MAS) campaign. The district achieved all three targets of the globally recognised 95-95-95 HIV control strategy, according to the August 2026 assessment.

The 95-95-95 strategy aims to ensure that 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed receive antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 95% of people receiving treatment achieve viral load suppression. Meeting all three benchmarks qualifies a district for the ‘Surakshit’ classification under the MAS campaign.

The MAS campaign categorises districts according to their progress against the three targets. Districts meeting none or one of the targets are classified as ‘Sangharshee’, while those achieving two targets are categorised as ‘Saksham’. Districts meeting all three targets receive ‘Surakshit’ status, while ‘Surakshit+’ is reserved for districts that additionally report zero mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

The campaign was launched in February with the objective of strengthening HIV prevention, testing and treatment and breaking the chain of HIV transmission. District-level progress is reviewed regularly under the leadership of Deputy Commissioners.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Zothanpari Chhakchhuak credited Saitual’s achievement to the support of Deputy Commissioner Srinivas Sadi and the sustained cooperation of NGOs, churches and community leaders. Their involvement helped strengthen HIV testing, awareness and prevention activities across the district.

Officials have stressed that maintaining the achievement will require continued large-scale HIV testing and regular treatment. People living with HIV have also been urged to remain adherent to ART to sustain viral suppression and reduce the risk of further transmission.

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According to the Mizoram State AIDS Control Society, 34,930 HIV-positive cases have been detected in the state since the first case was reported in October 1990. By July 2026, 6,439 people had died of the disease, while 29,217 patients had registered for ART and 26,382 had started treatment.

Saitual’s achievement marks a significant milestone in Mizoram’s HIV response and highlights the importance of early diagnosis, access to treatment, viral suppression and strong community participation in HIV prevention and care.

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