Shillong, Dec 19: Amid growing concern over the sharp rise in HIV/AIDS cases in Meghalaya, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma today announced a five-year mission-mode initiative aimed at tackling the spread of the disease in the state.
The programme, with a proposed outlay of Rs 25 crore, received approval from the state cabinet during its final meeting of the year on Friday.
Speaking to reporters, Sangma said the decision was taken in view of the worrying trend in HIV infections across the state. According to him, the scale and pace of the rise made it necessary for the government to adopt a mission-oriented approach.
Meghalaya’s adult HIV prevalence rate is 0.43 percent. While still low, this is more than double the national average of 0.21 percent.
The CM said the approved plan will be implemented over five years, with an estimated expenditure of around Rs 5 crore annually. The funds will be utilised for strengthening infrastructure, conducting awareness drives, running targeted campaigns and supporting various activities.
As per official estimates shared by Sangma, around 9,589 people were living with HIV in the state as of 2024, while new infections continue to remain high at nearly 1,000 cases every year.
