Shillong, Dec 4: One possible reason for the rise in HIV/AIDS cases in Meghalaya could be linked to residents having to leave the state in search of jobs, former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Dr Mukul Sangma feels.
With Meghalaya unable to create enough employment for its youth, workers often migrate to other states in search of employment opportunities.
Responding to questions on the state government’s plan to launch a new mission-mode programme to tackle HIV, Dr Sangma said the virus was not very common in Meghalaya in earlier years but, over time, it has slowly become more widespread and now needs a serious, practical response.
He explained that the disease comes into the state regularly as young people travel out in search of work to places like Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana and Tamil Nadu where many take up semi-skilled jobs, security work and other employment opportunities. During these periods of migration, they often become vulnerable and some are “unfortunate victims,” he said.
Dr Sangma, who qualified as a medical doctor before entering politics, stressed that the state’s response cannot focus only on treating patients. A strong prevention system and coordinated efforts are needed, starting with neighbouring states and extending to major destination states where Meghalaya’s youth migrate. He warned that at the current pace, detecting a positive case almost every day would not be surprising, which is why the approach must be collective and long-term.
When asked whether the rise in numbers is only because of more testing and awareness, he disagreed. He said Meghalaya has run aggressive HIV awareness campaigns for decades and the increase cannot be explained by testing alone. He also pointed to a worrying sense of complacency. Because treatment has improved and many people living with HIV can now lead normal and long lives, some may underestimate the seriousness of the disease even after contracting it.
