SHILLONG, NOVEMBER 28: Meghalaya has reported over 10,000 HIV/AIDS cases, with 500 children infected, said KL Iawbor, Project Director of the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS).
“More than 10,000 people have tested positive for HIV/AIDS in Meghalaya, and it’s alarming that 500 of them are children,” Iawbor told reporters today.
East Jaintia Hills has the highest number of HIV/AIDS cases, with most of the infected children coming from poor families.
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“The main reason for the spread is unprotected heterosexual activities, and most people are not coming forward for testing,” Iawbor said.
Announcing that the state is geared up to observe World AIDS Day on December 1, Iawbor emphasized the need for collective responsibility in combating the spread of the disease.
“This virus is very dangerous, and it is the responsibility of each and every one of us to stop the transmission so that we can make our state and country HIV-free by 2030,” she said.
MACS has conducted awareness campaigns and testing programs, screening 6,882 individuals, with 24 testing HIV-positive.
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“Eighty-seven per cent of the cases were detected during outreach programs targeting high-risk groups and the general population,” Iawbor said, adding that some individuals came voluntarily while others were referred on suspicion of infection.
The organization is organizing a biker’s rally and other events on December 1, with Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma as the chief guest, to spread awareness and support those living with HIV/AIDS.
Cabinet ministers and all MLAs of East Khasi Hills, besides nursing and paramedical schools and people living with HIV, will also be part of the programme.
– NNN