SHILLONG, Dec 26: The Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS) has expressed concern that the actual number of people living with HIV in the state is likely much higher than the officially recorded figure of around 10,000, as many individuals continue to hesitate to come forward for testing and treatment.
MACS Assistant Director (IEC) Rapborlang Rani made the observation while speaking at the Futsal Frenzy Tournament titled ‘Empowering Youth, Enabling Change: Futsal Frenzy’, organised by the Shillong Archdiocese Catholic Youth Movement (SACYM) Zone-I, Headquarters Mawkhar Parish, in collaboration with MACS, at Madan Heh football ground, Mawlai.
“Currently, around 10,000 people in the state are living with HIV and have been tested and are receiving treatment and counselling. However, we believe the actual number is much higher,” Rani said, stressing that many remain unaware of their HIV status due to reluctance to undergo testing.
Calling for collective responsibility, he said addressing HIV/AIDS is not solely the duty of the government or the health department. Parents, elders, guardians and the wider community must also play an active role in spreading awareness and encouraging testing and treatment.
He noted that doctors, nurses and counsellors consistently emphasise that once diagnosed, individuals should seek timely treatment, take care of themselves and not shy away from accessing support.
Rani also clarified that being HIV-positive does not make a person “bad” and that with proper medication and care, people living with HIV can lead normal lives.
Highlighting the importance of early detection, he said young people must understand that HIV can be identified through testing at an early stage and that timely treatment is crucial. “A diagnosis is not the end. Testing and regular treatment can save lives,” Rani added.
It may be mentioned that the tournament was organised to raise funds for the Zonal Youth Convention of SACYM Zone-I, which is scheduled to be held at Mawtawar Parish in Balang village, Nongkohlew, from January 9 to 11. The convention will also feature awareness programmes on HIV/AIDS.
Others present at the event included chief guest and contractor Hambert Nongbud, Zonal Youth Director of SACYM Zone-I Rev. Fr. Leo Iawbor, Assistant Parish Priest of Mawtawar Parish Rev. Fr. Meshalmon Suja, Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Telesphorus Nonglang, the president of Synjuk ki Seng Rangbah Zone, and office-bearers and executive committee members of the SACYM central body, among others.
