The adult HIV prevalence rate in Meghalaya stands at 0.42 per cent which is higher than the national average which stands at .21 per cent.
This was stated by Meghalaya AIDS Control Society Project Director, Dr. B Decruse during a programme held to observe World’s AIDS Day at the MACS office here today.
While deliberating on the significance of the day, Dr. Decruse said that Meghalaya is one of the states in India with an increasing trend of new HIV infection.
An estimated number of people living with HIV is 8692, out of those 4996 know their status, 3718 are on Antiretroviral Treatment (ART), 2356 are virally suppressed.
She mentioned that HIV and AIDS can be ended if inequalities are addressed and tackled.
Speaking as chief guest at the programme, Principal Secretary (Health and Family Welfare) Sampath Kumar said that people need to be proactive to bring about a change in attitude towards HIV and for the people living with HIV.
“Issues and challenges related to stigma and discrimination must be addressed by all communities so as to ensure we reach that path of equality,” Kumar said.
He further mentioned that, “Teenage pregnancy is very much prevalent in our state and the risk of being infected with HIV among them is high”.
Kumar urged all communities to create more awareness to safeguard the youths from HIV and other sexually transmitted Infections.
East Khasi Hills District Legal Services Authority secretary Natalie Ione Dkhar, during the function stressed on the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017 and made aware the importance of knowing legal rights and tackle HIV related stigma and discrimination.
Z Sangma, who was diagnosed with HIV on December 29, 2019, sharing his testimony during the occasion applauded the healthcare providers from ICTC, NEIGRIHMS and also the members of the Meghalaya State Network of Positive People (MSNP+) for their tireless support through which he was able to overcome the difficulties and challenges faced and finally able to accept his status.
“I have come to a stage whereby I am virally suppressed and I am now healthy because I take ART regularly,” he said.
Further, Sangma urged the people who do not know their status to get themselves tested at ICTC, and even if found positive, to step forward and take ART regularly. “We are always there to help and support you,” he added.
As part of the observation, other activities conducted were felicitation of various centres, NGOs, institutes, etc. for their fight against HIV, display of placards with messages prepared by students, performance by various artist and HIV theme song sung by LYNX band, who are also the brand ambassador of HIV and AIDS programme and the release of video titled “Rangli” produced by S Sun, a staff of ART Jowai.
Dignitaries present during the occasion were, Director of Health Services (MI), Dr. H C Lyndem, Director of Health Services (MCH), Dr. L Challam, Director of Health Services (Research) Dr. S Nongbri, among others.
The programme was attended by officers, staff and students of various departments, nursing institutes, hospital, schools and college, targeted intervention NGOs, health centers and members of the press fraternity. The event was organised by the office of MACS in collaboration with Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority and District Legal Services Authority.
