SHILLONG: In the context of controversy surrounding HIV-AIDS victims following the controversial stand of KHADC chief HS Shylla, the Health Department has appealed to all to be sensitive and non-discriminatory to Persons Living with HIV and desist from making comments which are tantamount to stigmatising them.
The department on Friday said the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS) takes cognizance of media and other reports about the rising prevalence of HIV in the state.
In the 7th State Grievances Redressal Committee of MACS held on August 7, concerns were raised about high prevalence of HIV in Meghalaya, especially in East and West Jaintia Hills, which needs a clear strategy and active involvement of deputy commissioners.
The Health Department said as per figures till July this year, shared by Meghalaya AIDS Control Society, there are 1,686 males, 1,701 females and two trans-genders living with HIV, while 79 male children and 92 female children are also affected, taking the total count in the state to 3,560.
The number of Persons Living with HIV currently alive and on first line ART (Anti Retroviral Therapy) is 2,008. The number of deaths recorded pre-ART is 187 and the figures for deaths reported on ART is 330 as per official data.
The department said Meghalaya has started targeted intervention projects for High Risk Groups (HRGs) and for this, (MACS) has taken the support of local NGOs to help them with nine targeted interventions in the whole state. Four of these projects are in Shillong, one in Nangalbibra, South Garo Hills, three in Jaintia Hills and one in Ri Bhoi.
HIV-AIDS FACT FILE
Affected males: 1686Affected males: 1686 Females: 1701 Trans-genders: 2 Male children: 79 Female children: 92 Total: 3560 Under Anti Retroviral Therapy (ART): 2008 Number of deaths recorded pre-ART: 187 Deaths reported on ART: 330