Shillong, Feb 25: Meghalaya currently has the highest HIV caseload in the country, with 10,293 people living with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), Health Minister W Shylla informed the Assembly on February 25.
Replying to a question by NPP legislator Mehtab Chandee A Sangma, the minister said the state government has sanctioned a ₹25-crore mission-mode intervention programme for the next five years to tackle what he termed an “alarming rise” in HIV/AIDS cases.
Shylla said 749 deaths linked to the disease were recorded over the past decade, with East Khasi Hills reporting the highest number at 435, followed by West Jaintia Hills (123) and East Jaintia Hills (90). Other districts reporting fatalities include Ri Bhoi, Eastern West Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, South West Khasi Hills, West Garo Hills, East Garo Hills, South Garo Hills, North Garo Hills and South West Garo Hills. He clarified that all deaths were attributed to opportunistic infections and none directly to HIV/AIDS.
Citing confidentiality provisions under the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act and prevailing social stigma, the minister said mandatory consent for testing and treatment posed challenges for early detection and intervention. Despite this, he said the department is intensifying awareness campaigns to boost testing and treatment adherence.
He credited Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and the state cabinet for approving the five-year mission to expand testing centres and manpower. Responding to queries, including from VPP MLA Ardent Basaiawmoit, Shylla said the government is working with community stakeholders to promote testing and treatment compliance. He added that MLAs have contributed funds to donate a Bolero vehicle to support people living with HIV.
On infrastructure, the minister said Meghalaya operates 392 standalone Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTCs) and four mobile ICTCs. He further informed that the National AIDS Control Organisation has sanctioned ₹17.8 crore to the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society for 2025–26 to strengthen interventions, including awareness drives, targeted outreach, opioid substitution therapy centres, expanded screening and care support services.
“HIV is no longer a death sentence. Though it cannot be cured, it can be treated, enabling patients to live a dignified life,” the minister said.
