Shillong: Meghalaya is currently providing antiretroviral therapy (ART) to over 10,293 people living with HIV as of January 2026, placing the state among the worst affected in the country.
The scale of the crisis was highlighted in the Assembly, where the government acknowledged that Meghalaya now records the highest number of HIV cases nationally.
Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla informed the House that the state government has approved a Rs. 25 crore allocation for a five-year mission-mode programme aimed at containing the rapid rise of HIV/AIDS cases.
The targeted plan will focus on expanding testing infrastructure, manpower, outreach, and treatment services across districts.
Responding to a question from NPP legislator Mehtab Chandee A. Sangma of Gambegre, Shylla said that 749 deaths linked to HIV-related complications have been recorded over the past decade.
The minister clarified that none of the reported deaths were directly caused by HIV/AIDS itself, but were due to opportunistic infections associated with weakened immunity.
He also pointed out that legal and social barriers continue to complicate disease control efforts.
“One of the biggest challenges under the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act is confidentiality. Testing cannot be done without consent, and treatment cannot be forced,” Shylla said.
He added that stigma and fear remain major obstacles, with many people reluctant to come forward for testing and treatment.
Despite these constraints, the health department has intensified awareness and outreach programmes to improve early detection and treatment uptake.
Shylla said large-scale awareness campaigns are being conducted to encourage people to access services and reduce discrimination associated with the disease.
He credited Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and the state cabinet for approving the five-year mission-mode strategy, noting that the Rs. 25 crore fund will be used to expand testing centres, strengthen manpower, and improve healthcare access in high-burden areas.
The Assembly was also informed that Meghalaya currently has 392 standalone Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTCs) across districts, along with four mobile ICTCs operating statewide, a report said.
However, legislators urged the government to increase the number of centres in East and West Jaintia Hills, where mortality figures remain high.
In response to queries on Meghalaya’s national position, Shylla said, “It is very unfortunate, but Meghalaya is having the highest cases in India.”
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He added that the National AIDS Control Organisation has sanctioned Rs. 17.8 crore to the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society for the 2025–26 financial year.
Outlining the broader strategy, the minister said the state’s programme includes large-scale public awareness drives, targeted interventions for high-risk and vulnerable groups, expanded screening and counselling, opioid substitution therapy (OST) centres, care and support services, and a five-year targeted mission funded by the state in addition to national support.
Shylla also appealed for collective responsibility, urging legislators, community leaders, churches and citizens to work together to fight stigma and promote testing and treatment.
“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,” he told the House.
