Kohima, 26 June (MTNews): In a significant development aimed at improving the treatment and care for people living with HIV (PLHIV), the state of Nagaland inaugurated its first HIV-1 Viral Load Laboratory at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) today. The launching ceremony was led by Y Kikheto Sema, IAS Commissioner & Secretary H&FW and Chairman of the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS).
During his address, Y Kikheto Sema emphasized India’s commitment as a signatory to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat by 2030. The establishment of the HIV-1 Viral Load Lab at NHAK represents a significant milestone in Nagaland’s efforts to ensure better treatment and care for the PLHIV community.
Nagaland currently has approximately 12,290 PLHIV who are receiving treatment, with many more individuals remaining unreached and untested, he said. The state has the second-highest number of HIV-positive cases in the country and the highest prevalence of Antenatal Care in India, posing considerable challenges.
He stated that it was mandatory to undergo viral load testing at least once a year for those who are on treatment. If the viral load does not come down it indicates that the person is not responding to the drug and therefore will need another line of treatment to help the doctor give correct treatment to PLHIVs.
“To address these challenges, it was the burning desire of the state to have its viral load testing machine as the people have been sending blood samples outside the State like Mumbai, RIMS Imphal,” he added.
He also mentioned that the state faced immense challenges in transporting blood samples outside the state during the pandemic. “With the present law and order situation in Manipur Viral Load samples could not be sent to RIMS, Imphal for the last two months,” he added.
The lab will operate on working days and is expected to handle all viral load testing for the entire state, alleviating the burden on PLHIV and improving access to timely services. Sema expressed gratitude to the Project Director, Dr Akuo Sorhie, and NSACS officials for their efforts, as well as to the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) for providing the viral load machine to the state.
In her keynote address, Dr Akuo Sorhie, Director (M&E), acknowledged NACO’s support and hailed the establishment of the lab as another breakthrough achieved under Sema’s leadership. Dr. Vibeituonuo M Sachu, Principal Director, H&FW, highlighted the positive impact of the laboratory on patient experiences, addressing existing gaps and ensuring the delivery of quality and timely services. She urged the laboratory staff to take utmost care and maximize the use of the new equipment.
Representatives from the community also expressed their appreciation for the establishment of the lab. Lanu Aier, President of NNP+, described it as a long-awaited dream come true, as the community had been advocating for its establishment for over two decades. Lokesh, Team Leader of the LaQSH Plus Project at SHARE INDIA, hailed the occasion as a landmark event that would revolutionize HIV treatment. As technical partners, they pledged to uphold quality standards in maintaining the laboratory.
The launching program was chaired by Dr Vethihulu Vero, DD, CST, NSACS, and concluded with remarks from Adeno Kenna-o, Deputy Director, Lab Services, NSACS. The ceremony included a dedicatory prayer for the Viral Load Lab led by Vikepu Tepa, Chaplain of NHAK, and a tour of the lab facilitated by Kezholeno Zao, Technical Officer at SRL, Kohima.
It may be noted that when a one living with HIV has an undetectable viral load, there is effectively no risk of sexual transmission of HIV.