SHILLONG, June 18: The Meghalaya government has sounded the alarm over a worrying surge in HIV cases, with nearly 900 new infections reported annually. In response, the state has launched an urgent action plan aimed at intensifying awareness, improving testing, and expanding access to treatment.
At an emergency meeting chaired on Tuesday by Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, senior health officials, doctors, and department heads convened to formulate an immediate response strategy. Speaking to the media after the meeting, Lyngdoh described the rising case count as “deeply concerning” and a growing threat to public health and community well-being.
“This is not just a health crisis; it’s a social crisis,” the minister said. “We need collective, urgent action to protect our people.”
According to officials, the primary drivers of the HIV spread include unsafe drug use—particularly needle sharing—and unprotected sex, especially involving commercial sex workers. The minister also highlighted that social stigma and fear of discrimination are discouraging individuals from getting tested voluntarily, which is further complicating containment efforts.
The state’s action plan includes rolling out mass awareness campaigns focused on prevention, early detection, and responsible sexual and drug-related behavior. These campaigns will particularly target high-risk populations and promote the use of safe practices and accessible testing facilities.
Lyngdoh also urged community leaders, including traditional village heads and religious figures, to actively support the outreach initiatives and help combat stigma associated with HIV/AIDS.
Health department sources confirmed that public education drives will be launched in the coming weeks, marking a critical step in the state’s attempt to curb the virus’s spread. The government has pledged to prioritize resource allocation and inter-departmental cooperation to tackle the crisis head-on.
