Mathematical modeling on the impact of behavioral change on HIV/AIDS transmission in Mizoram

Background: This study proposes a simplified SIR-type compartmental mathematical model tailored to the HIV epidemic in Mizoram, a small state in India and is one of the highest-prevalence regions in the country. The model includes key processes such as antiretroviral treatment (ART), behaviour-change dynamics, recruitment, and natural mortality.Aims and Objectives: This study emphasizes the need for early treatment initiation and promotion of risk-reducing behaviour to control and curb the prevalence of HIV/AIDS especially in a highly prevalent region like Mizoram and may serve as a practical and flexible resource for policymakers and public health planners to evaluate the effectiveness of early interventions in high-prevalence populations.Materials and Methods: The basic reproduction number R0 is derived using the next-generation matrix method and local as well as global stability conditions for both disease-free and endemic equilibria are established via Lyapunov functions. Numerical simulations demonstrate the impact of transmission rate (β), treatment uptake (γ), and behavior-modification rate (µ) on epidemic outcomes.Results and Conclusion: It is observed that when γ and µ i.e., rate of treatment uptake and behaviour-modification rate respectively are increased effectively, R0 decreases and when R01, the endemic equilibrium remains, indicating persistent transmission in the population. Although µ does not directly reduce transmission, it significantly boosts the recovered class when increased.