Meghalaya is witnessing an alarming rise in HIV infections, with nearly 900 new cases being reported each year, prompting the state government to roll out an urgent action plan aimed at curbing the spread of the virus.
State Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh chaired an emergency meeting on Tuesday with senior health officials, medical experts, and department heads to strategise a focused response.
Addressing a press briefing after the meeting, Ms Lyngdoh expressed deep concern over the spike in infections. “This is not just a public health issue. It’s threatening the well-being of entire communities,” she said.
The Minister attributed the increase to high-risk behaviours, including needle sharing among drug users and unprotected sex, especially involving commercial sex workers. A reluctance to come forward for voluntary testing, she said, was exacerbating the crisis.
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The state government’s response will hinge on targeted awareness campaigns, expansion of testing access, and early detection efforts. Ms Lyngdoh called for a grassroots-led movement, appealing to local village heads and religious leaders to actively engage in prevention efforts.
“We must move beyond the hospital and into the community. Everyone has a role to play,” she said.
Officials confirmed that comprehensive public education drives will begin rolling out in the coming weeks. These will focus on engaging high-risk populations and promoting responsible sexual health, harm reduction in drug use, and access to diagnostic services.
Health authorities are also preparing to bolster support systems for those already living with HIV, including improved counselling, treatment access, and social protection measures.
The action plan is being seen as a crucial step in containing what officials fear could spiral into a major public health emergency in one of the North-East’s most vulnerable states.
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