Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh has sounded the alarm on the rising HIV/AIDS cases in the state, revealing that over 10,000 people have tested positive, 396 lives have been lost and 785 individuals are currently refusing treatment.
Addressing a press conference during the formal handover of an outreach vehicle to bolster HIV/AIDS services in Meghalaya, Lyngdoh said, “Gone are the days when we could isolate ourselves from this issue. We are now telling people that HIV/AIDS is no longer a taboo. It is a problem to be dealt with head-on, and we will leave no stone unturned.”
According to the minister, of the over 10,000 people diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in the state, 9,421 are currently undergoing treatment, while 785 have declined to receive medical care. A total of 396 deaths linked to HIV/AIDS have been recorded since the state began collecting data in 2008-09.
“Whether the deaths are recent or not, 396 valuable lives have been lost. This is not just a number, it’s a wake-up call,” she said, adding that the refusal of treatment by hundreds was a matter of grave concern that the government was actively trying to address.
Lyngdoh pointed to stigma and fear as key reasons behind the reluctance of some individuals to seek treatment. “A person has the right to privacy, yes, but with that right comes a responsibility. We must create an environment where people are not ashamed but supported. Shaming has never been a solution,” she said.
She stressed that community engagement is crucial to encouraging those infected to come forward without fear of moral isolation. “We’ve seen countries like Thailand tackle HIV/AIDS with a community responsibility model. Meghalaya can do the same.”
The Minister also raised concerns over low HIV testing rates in the state. “We are not focusing on which district is reporting more cases. The real issue is that in many areas, people aren’t even testing. Many cases are only discovered when pregnant women come in for routine check-ups. We must act before a diagnosis surprises us.”
Lyngdoh did not shy away from acknowledging the link between rising HIV/AIDS cases and high-risk behaviour. “The presence of commercial sex work and drug abuse are realities in our communities. We cannot judge from a moral high ground. We must find solutions. These issues are rampant, and addressing them is no longer optional.”
To tackle the crisis, the Meghalaya government is preparing a comprehensive HIV/AIDS policy that reflects ground realities. The Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS) is playing a key role, along with church-based organisations, sports bodies, and NGOs like the Meghalaya State Network of Positive People (MSNP).
Lyngdoh said various government departments are working in synergy to coordinate medical, social, and research interventions. The state is also pushing for free and accessible treatment across all regions.
“No one should be turned away from treatment because it is unavailable. That is non-negotiable,” she added.
As part of the state’s ongoing efforts, a new outreach vehicle, funded by the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Speaker, was handed over to the MSNP during the ceremony. The vehicle is expected to support emergency response, transport of patients and outreach to remote communities.
MSNP president Paul Hrangbung, who tested HIV-positive in 2007, said, “In 2007, there were only 10 known cases in Meghalaya and stigma kept people from speaking out. Today, people are coming forward. This vehicle will help us reach those in need.”
He recounted recent heartbreaking cases, including a pregnant woman from Khliehriat who was thrown out by her family after testing positive, and a bedridden woman from Jowai with a young child who struggled to access care. “We did what we could with our limited means. This vehicle will be a lifeline.”
