State aims to make HIV-free Meghalaya by 2030
By Our Reporter
Shillong, Dec 1: Meghalaya observed World Aids Day with the announcement of a comprehensive Rs 25-crore, five-year Mission Mode programme aimed at curbing the rising number of HIV/AIDS cases and achieving the goal of an HIV-free Meghalaya by 2030.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Wailadmiki Shylla made the announcement during the state-level World AIDS Day observance at the State Convention Centre on Monday.
Shylla said the proposal will be placed before the Cabinet in its next meeting.
Under the Mission Mode programme, the government plans to significantly expand testing centres, treatment facilities, and awareness initiatives across the state.
“The state government will invest over Rs 25 crore in the next five years to strengthen these services,” the Minister said.
He noted that many people remain unaware that HIV treatment is free, effective, and accessible, urging individuals to come forward for early testing and treatment.
Highlighting the need for societal acceptance, Shylla stressed, “Who will come forward for testing and treatment if we, as a society, are not willing to accept them? We must work together—government, MACS, organisations, and citizens alike—because HIV cannot be fought in isolation.”
He assured that concerns regarding privacy and stigma would be addressed, with close coordination between the Health Department and MACS to ensure confidential and easily accessible services. “HIV is not a death sentence. Treatment exists and allows a person to live a normal and dignified life,” he added.
Meanwhile, Health and Family Welfare Principal Secretary Sampath Kumar said the state currently has around 9,000 people living with HIV, with the highest numbers reported from East Khasi Hills (over 3,000 cases), West Jaintia Hills (over 3,000) and East Jaintia Hills (over 2,000) — making them high-burden districts.
Kumar said the state records over 900 new cases each year, partly due to proactive testing. He emphasised the importance of awareness and early detection, especially among injectable drug users, who account for nearly 30% of PLHIV in the state, and individuals with high-risk behaviour.
Sharing an example, Kumar recalled how five students approached a medical officer for testing after an HIV awareness session in East Jaintia Hills.
“This shows the impact of education. We have asked medical officers to regularly visit high schools, and schools, too, can request such sessions,” he said.
Quoting the National Family Health Survey, he noted that only 16–17% of people in rural areas are aware of HIV-related facts, underscoring the need for an intensive awareness drive under the Mission Mode programme.
“Our goal is that within the next five years, Meghalaya should report zero new infections,” Kumar said.
A biker rally was also flagged off by Minister Shylla, passing through the DC’s office and Police Bazaar before returning to the venue.
Legislators from East Khasi Hills, including Adelbert Nongrum, Mathew Beyondstar Kurbah, and Ollan Singh Suin, attended the programme. The global theme for World AIDS Day 2025, as announced by UNAIDS and the International AIDS Society, is ‘Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response.’
World AIDS Day, first observed in 1988, remains a crucial reminder that sustained efforts, adequate resources, and coordinated action are essential to eliminate HIV/AIDS globally by 2030.
