Aizawl, June 19, 2025: The Mizoram State AIDS Control Society (MSACS) today organized a One-Day Seminar on Drug Abuse at the Taxation Department Conference Hall, MINECO, with Health & Family Welfare Minister Pi Lalrinpuii as the chief guest. The event aimed to strengthen collaborative efforts in addressing the state’s growing drug abuse crisis.
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| Image Cortesy: DIPR Mizoram |
In her keynote address, Minister Pi Lalrinpuii highlighted the alarming rise in drug use and stressed that there is no easy route to tackling drug addiction, underlining the importance of collective responsibility. She emphasized the need for a three-pronged approach - supply reduction, demand reduction, and harm reduction - and called on all departments and civil society to work in tandem.
“We cannot fight this alone. Coordination with experts and grassroots volunteers is vital. Families must also stand with us,” the Minister said.
She also revealed that the government is planning to introduce short-stay facilities to support drug users undergoing recovery.
According to data presented during the seminar, there are currently 14,378 active injecting drug users (IDUs) in Mizoram, with the largest group aged between 28 and 32 years.
MSACS Project Director Dr. Jane R. Ralte informed the gathering that 5,298 individuals are currently undergoing drug de-addiction therapy under MSACS’s care, with Aizawl district accounting for 2,701- the highest - while Khawzawl reported the lowest, with just 35.
She further explained that sharing of infected syringes continues to be a major driver of HIV transmission among IDUs. MSACS is addressing this through Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST), Condom Promotion, and Syringe Needle Exchange Programs.
Dr. Ralte also noted that 68% of HIV transmissions in the state are linked to heterosexual contact, often involving partners of drug users.
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Dr. Chawnglungmuana, CEO of SHALOM, gave a detailed historical overview, stating that Mizoram's drug epidemic began in the 1980s and escalated in the 1990s with the rise of Proxyvon abuse. He revealed that 90% of current drug users are infected with Hepatitis.
He also expressed concern over the increasing number of school students consuming cough syrups and energy drinks laced with drugs, calling for urgent intervention in educational institutions.
The seminar was attended by representatives from MSACS, Police, Excise & Narcotics, Food & Drugs Administration, Samaritan Society, MSD&RB, and church bodies, among others. Experts and practitioners conducted interactive sessions on legal, medical, and psychosocial aspects of drug abuse and rehabilitation.
Key Takeaways:
• 14,378 injecting drug users in Mizoram, highest between ages 28–32
• 5,298 currently undergoing addiction treatment; Aizawl leads with 2,701 cases
• 90% of drug users are infected with Hepatitis
• 68% of HIV infections in the state traced to heterosexual partners of drug users
• Government to introduce short-stay rehabilitation shelters
The seminar concluded with a renewed call for inter-agency cooperation, community support, and evidence-based policymaking to build a healthier, drug-free Mizoram.
