HIV infections are growing at an alarming rate in Meghalaya. Over 10,000 residents in the state are reported to be HIV-positive, of which nearly 500 are children. The situation remains worse in East Jaintia Hills. According to the state health department, most HIV-positive children come from economically weak families, making access to proper treatment difficult. Social stigma and long-held superstitions are also standing in the way of timely care.
Over the past two decades, HIV cases in Meghalaya have increased sharply. Compared to 2005, the increase is around 220%. India's overall prevalence of HIV is about 0.21%, while that of Meghalaya stands at nearly 0.43%, almost double the national average.
According to the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society, unsafe sexual practices account for the major reason behind the surge. Another factor is drug use. As with other Northeastern states, injecting drugs is a common practice in Meghalaya, raising the risk of the virus spreading further.
In the recent MACS screening across 138 centres, 6,882 were tested, and 28 were found positive. According to the director of MACS, both the state and the country must work together if they are to eliminate HIV by 2030.
Also Read | World AIDS Day 2025: Here's few early HIV symptoms you should never ignore
As part of World AIDS Day, the State government organised an awareness programme on December 1 to educate young people about safe sex, voluntary testing, and how those living with HIV can lead healthy lives. The initiative is targeted to dispel various myths and misconceptions relating to AIDS.
