Meghalaya tops national HIV caseload, launches Rs. 25 cr mission to combat rise

Meghalaya has emerged as the state with the highest HIV prevalence in India, with over 10,293 people currently receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), Health and Family Welfare Minister Wailadmiki Shylla informed the Assembly on Wednesday.
Addressing queries during Question Hour, Shylla described the situation as “very unfortunate,” noting that Meghalaya now leads the country in HIV/AIDS cases. To counter the alarming rise, the state government has approved a Rs.25-crore five-year mission-mode programme aimed at expanding testing, treatment, and awareness initiatives.
The National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) has sanctioned Rs. 17.8 crore to the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society for the 2025–26 financial year. Shylla explained that the funds will be used to strengthen testing infrastructure, recruit additional manpower, and expand outreach services. Currently, Meghalaya operates 392 standalone Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTCs) across districts, supported by four mobile ICTCs.
Despite these efforts, legislators such as Dr. Mehtab Chandee Agitok Sangma urged the government to increase facilities in East and West Jaintia Hills, where mortality rates remain high.
Over the past decade, Meghalaya has recorded 749 HIV-related deaths, primarily due to opportunistic infections. East Khasi Hills reported the highest toll at 435, followed by West Jaintia Hills (123), East Jaintia Hills (90), Ri Bhoi (51), and Eastern West Khasi Hills (16). Smaller numbers were reported across other districts, including West Garo Hills (9) and South Garo Hills (3). Shylla clarified that none of the deaths were directly caused by HIV/AIDS itself, but by secondary infections that take advantage of weakened immune systems.
The minister highlighted that stigma and fear remain major barriers to testing and treatment. Under the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, testing cannot be conducted without consent, and treatment cannot be forced. Many individuals remain reluctant to come forward due to confidentiality concerns and social discrimination.
To address this, the health department has intensified awareness campaigns, encouraging early detection and reducing stigma. Large-scale outreach programmes are being conducted in collaboration with community leaders, churches, and traditional institutions.
The five-year targeted plan includes: Expanded screening and counselling services; Opioid substitution therapy (OST) centres; Care and support services for people living with HIV; and Strengthened healthcare access in high-burden districts.
Shylla credited Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and the state cabinet for approving the mission-mode strategy. Legislators have also pooled resources to donate a Bolero van for HIV outreach services.
Opposition legislator Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit questioned whether the government was tackling the crisis on a “war footing.” Shylla reiterated the importance of collective responsibility, urging lawmakers, community leaders, and citizens to work together to fight stigma and promote testing.
“HIV is no longer a death sentence. It cannot be cured, but it can be treated. With proper care, people can live long, healthy, and dignified lives,” Shylla assured the Assembly.