Meghalaya Steps Up Fight Against HIV as Over 10,000 Patients Receive Lifesaving Treatment

Shillong, Feb 25: More than 10,293 people living with HIV in Meghalaya are currently receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) as of January 2026, even as the state continues to report the highest number of HIV cases in the country. This information was shared in the state Assembly on Wednesday, highlighting both the scale of the challenge and the government’s ongoing response.

Replying to a question raised by National People’s Party legislator Mehtab Chandee A. Sangma from Gambegre, Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla informed the House that HIV/AIDS-related deaths in Meghalaya over the past decade have reached 749. He clarified, however, that none of these deaths were caused directly by HIV/AIDS itself.

According to district-wise data presented in the Assembly, East Khasi Hills recorded the highest number of fatalities at 435. This was followed by West Jaintia Hills with 123 deaths and East Jaintia Hills with 90. Other districts reported relatively lower numbers, including 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).

Minister Shylla stressed that all reported fatalities were due to opportunistic infections and not HIV/AIDS directly. “It is pertinent to note that all the reported deaths were due to opportunistic infections, and no death has been attributed directly to HIV/AIDS,” he told the Assembly, underlining the importance of timely diagnosis and sustained treatment.

Addressing concerns over the rising number of HIV infections, the Health Minister pointed to legal and social challenges in tackling the disease under the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act. He explained that confidentiality of HIV status is mandatory, testing cannot be conducted without consent, and patients cannot be compelled to take medication. Social stigma, he added, continues to be a major barrier preventing people from coming forward for testing and treatment.

Despite these limitations, Shylla said the state government is intensifying awareness and outreach programmes to encourage early detection and improve treatment uptake. He credited Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and the state cabinet for approving a five-year mission-mode programme aimed at curbing the “alarming rise” of HIV/AIDS in Meghalaya. Under this initiative, Rs 25 crore has been sanctioned to expand testing facilities, strengthen manpower, and enhance outreach services across the state.

Responding to a supplementary question by Voice of the People Party legislator Ardent Basaiawmoit, the minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS on a war footing, with active engagement of community institutions. He noted that an Assembly forum on HIV/AIDS has already been constituted and that legislators have collectively donated a vehicle to support people living with HIV.

“HIV is no longer a death sentence. Though it cannot be cured, it can be treated, allowing people to live a dignified life,” Shylla said. He added that Meghalaya currently has 392 Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres, along with four mobile ICTCs operating across the state, forming the backbone of its ongoing response to the disease.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)