Shillong, Apr 3: Former Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh has called for a balanced, multi-pronged approach to address the rising cases of HIV/AIDS in Meghalaya, stressing the need for sensitive policymaking while safeguarding the rights of vulnerable groups, including commercial sex workers.
Responding to concerns over recent police raids on alleged commercial sex work activities, where several women and pimps were arrested, Lyngdoh described HIV/AIDS as a “very complicated” and “sensitive” issue that must be handled within clear legal and policy frameworks. She said that while the recent raid was necessary to send a strong message, the broader challenge lies in ensuring that government action remains both effective and humane.
“HIV/AIDS has a corresponding legal boundary, which, if not dealt with adequately and sensitively by policies and guidelines, can get out of hand,” the East Shillong MLA said, adding that the issue of commercial sex work remains a “grey area” requiring careful handling.
Governments across the world, when faced with a surge in HIV/AIDS cases, are compelled to adopt strong and immediate measures to prevent further spread, she noted, adding that Meghalaya is now at a stage where authorities must review existing policies, including protective measures and the responsibilities of health sector institutions.
In December the state government approved a five-year mission-mode initiative aimed at tackling the spread of the disease in the state with a proposed outlay of Rs 25 crore.
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. As per official estimates, around 9,500 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.
Regarding sex work, Lyngdoh said that any intervention must strike a balance between public health priorities and the rights of commercial sex workers and people living with HIV/AIDS.
Describing the recent raid as an “indicator of government alertness,” she pointed out that such actions also reflect the legal position in the state, where no specific zones have been designated for commercial sex work.
