SHILLONG, July 27: Expressing concern over the alarming number of HIV-positive births in the state, Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh revealed that over 400 children in Meghalaya have been born with the virus. She attributed the situation to inadequate awareness and the lack of timely testing.
Highlighting these grim statistics, Lyngdoh questioned societal attitudes that normalise risky behaviour while discouraging open discussions about protection and consent.
“I would urge on the need for collective efforts to ensure that no child is born with HIV/AIDS by the year 2028,” she said on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Lyngdoh also drew attention to systemic shortcomings that hinder victims—especially women—from reporting abuse. She noted that social stigma and uncooperative authorities often discourage women from coming forward.
Calling for a cultural shift, Lyngdoh encouraged women to take the lead in demanding accountability not only from society at large but also within their homes and personal relationships.
“No police can protect you better than you can protect yourself. When you protect yourself, you protect your community. Let us commit to raising a generation free from HIV,” she said.
