On World AIDS Day, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma called for non-discrimination and emphasized the need to ensure healthcare access and treatment for people living with HIV.
In a post on Sunday, the Chief Minister stated, “On World AIDS Day, we stand in solidarity with people living with HIV/AIDS. Today serves as a reminder to reflect on the progress we have made and recognize the challenges that still remain.”
He further stressed, “It is crucial that we break down the barriers of discrimination and ensure that those living with HIV have access to healthcare, treatment, and a society that supports and uplifts them.”
According to the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS), the state has registered 9,589 People Living with HIV (PLHIV), with a prevalence rate of 0.43%, which is higher than the national average.
During an awareness programme organized by MACS recently, Commissioner & Secretary of the Health Department, Joram Beda, reiterated the state’s goal to eliminate HIV and eradicate the stigma surrounding it, emphasizing the need for collective action.
Compounding the issue, the National Family Health Survey reveals that only 16% of females and 17% of males in Meghalaya have a comprehensive understanding of HIV/AIDS. This underscores the urgent need for intensified awareness campaigns to bridge the knowledge gap and prevent the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the state.
