By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 4: Former Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh has called for a balanced and multi-pronged strategy to tackle the rising cases of HIV/AIDS in Meghalaya, stressing the importance of sensitive policymaking while protecting the rights of vulnerable groups, including commercial sex workers.
Responding to concerns over recent police raids on alleged commercial sex work, she described HIV/AIDS as a “very complicated” and “sensitive” issue that must be addressed within clear legal and policy frameworks. She stated that while the recent raid was necessary to send a strong message, the larger challenge is to ensure that government actions remain both effective and humane.
“HIV/AIDS has a corresponding legal boundary, which, if not dealt with adequately and sensitively by policies and guidelines, can get out of hand,” Lyngdoh said, adding that the issue of commercial sex work remains a “grey area” requiring careful handling.
She emphasised that governments across the world, when faced with a surge in HIV/AIDS cases, are often compelled to take strong and immediate measures to curb further spread. She noted that Meghalaya has reached a stage where authorities must review existing policies, including protective measures and the responsibilities of health sector institutions.
At the same time, she underlined that any intervention must strike a balance between public health priorities and the rights of commercial sex workers and people living with HIV/AIDS. “We have to combine them carefully around the sensitivity of rights,” she said, cautioning that while decisive action is necessary, it may also involve sensitive challenges.
Indicating that the government is actively deliberating on the issue, Lyngdoh said discussions are underway to adopt a “mission mode” approach to address the problem comprehensively. She stressed that tackling HIV/AIDS goes beyond medical intervention and requires an understanding of the psychological, physical, and emotional realities of those affected.
Describing the recent raid as an “indicator of government alertness,” she noted that such actions also reflect the legal position in the state, where no specific zones have been designated for commercial sex work. However, she warned that inaction could be equally risky, especially as the issue has already been raised in the Assembly and advisories have been issued by legislators.
