Dedicated outreach vehicle for HIV care

SHILLONG, April 10: In a state marked by geographical complexity and limited healthcare infrastructure in remote regions, efforts to bridge healthcare gaps and strengthen the fight against HIV/AIDS in Meghalaya took a significant step forward as the State Legislative Assembly handed over a dedicated outreach vehicle to the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS).
The vehicle was officially handed over to Project Director of MACS, Dr Wallambok Langstieh, by Additional Secretary of the Assembly, Malthus S Sangma, on behalf of Speaker Thomas A Sangma.
Importantly, the vehicle will be transferred to the Meghalaya State Network of Positive People (MSNP+), a frontline community organisation supporting individuals living with HIV. It will be used to trace and re-engage patients classified as Loss to Follow-Up (LFU) — a persistent challenge in HIV care across India. Beyond that, the vehicle will serve a dual purpose — conducting statewide awareness campaigns and ensuring rural populations are not left behind in the push for universal access to treatment.
“It has been their long-cherished dream to have a vehicle that can reach even the most rural areas, catering to the needs of those who have contracted HIV and face challenges in accessing treatment from Shillong. This vehicle will help bring care to the doorsteps of those in need, especially in villages and remote areas,” Malthus S Sangma said during the handover of the vehicle.
He added that while the gesture may be modest in scale, its impact could be profound. “I believe this small act of solidarity will go a long way in supporting people and combating HIV/AIDS in the state,” Sangma said.