By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Feb 25: Legislators on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the rising HIV/AIDS cases in the state.
Speaking in the Assembly during the Question Hour, they sought urgent and stronger measures as the state is said to have the highest prevalence of HIV in the country.
Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla said that the number of deaths linked to the disease over the past decade reached 749, with East Khasi Hills accounting for 435, followed by West Jaintia Hills (123), East Jaintia Hills (90), Ri-Bhoi (51), Eastern West Khasi Hills (16), West Khasi Hills (8), South West Khasi Hills (7), West Garo Hills (9), East Garo Hills (4), South Garo Hills (3), North Garo Hills (1) and South West Garo Hills (2).
After the minister’s reply, NPP’s Gambegre MLA Mehtab Chandee A Sangma, who raised the issue in the House, referred to district-wise figures indicating higher cases in East Khasi Hills, East Jaintia Hills and West Jaintia Hills.
She questioned the reasons behind the rising trend and pointed out that social factors and voluntary testing may be influencing the growing detection rate.
Sangma highlighted that the number of testing facilities in certain districts appeared inadequate compared to the number of reported cases and urged the Health Department to strengthen infrastructure, particularly in the Jaintia Hills region.
She sought a clarification on the number of HIV-positive patients receiving Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), noting that treatment coverage must match the increasing case numbers.
During the discussion, UDP’s Sohiong legislator Synshar Kupar Roy Lyngdoh Thabah raised concerns regarding the availability of ART centres, especially in East Khasi Hills, and asked where Meghalaya stands compared to other northeastern states in terms of HIV prevalence.
He further asked whether the state government is coordinating with the neighbouring states to address cross-border transmission and sought details on budget allocation for the state’s HIV control programmes.
VPP’s Nongkrem legislator Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit expressed concern about data trends reported by the National AIDS Control Organization, stating that the figures present a grim situation for Meghalaya.
He asked how prevalence estimates are calculated when HIV testing requires individual consent under existing laws, and raised concerns about emerging pockets of infection among the general population. He stressed that the government should intensify awareness efforts through churches and traditional institutions to reduce stigma and encourage voluntary testing.
Shylla clarified that all reported deaths linked to HIV were due to opportunistic infections and not directly caused by HIV/AIDS.
He stated that stigma remains the biggest challenge in controlling the spread of HIV, as many people hesitate to come forward for testing. He noted that under the HIV/AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017, confidentiality must be maintained and testing cannot be conducted without consent, which limits early detection efforts.
The minister informed the House that the government has intensified awareness programmes, targeting youth, high-risk groups and vulnerable populations, and expanded screening, counselling, testing and treatment facilities. He also said that the state has launched a five-year targeted mission with Rs 25 crore allocated to strengthen testing centres, treatment facilities and manpower.
Shylla disclosed that over 10,293 HIV-positive patients were receiving ART as of January 2026. He added that there are five ART centres in the state, including facilities at Civil Hospital Shillong and NEIGRIHMS in East Khasi Hills.
He said Meghalaya continues to coordinate with neighbouring states through regional awareness campaigns and training programmes to ensure continuity of treatment for patients.
He assured the members of the House that the government is strengthening targeted interventions and expanding infrastructure to address the rising HIV burden.
