Meghalaya Sees 221% Spike in HIV Cases: Minister Calls for Urgent, Judgment-Free Action

Shillong, June 17: Meghalaya has recorded a 221 percent increase in HIV/AIDS cases over the past 19 years. Health & Family Welfare Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh has emphasized the need for open, non-judgmental discussions and urgent community-driven interventions to curb the spread of the disease.

“There has been a 221.1 percent increase in HIV/AIDS cases in the state over the last 19 years, while Tripura has seen an increase of over 330 percent. This should not be a headline used to shame a state, these figures should prompt us to take serious corrective measures. These are alarming indicators, and only a united community effort can address this challenge,” Lyngdoh told reporters.

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She urged elected representatives to play an active role in combating the issue. “I am requesting MLAs to come on board. Everything can be achieved under the leadership of our elected representatives, be it MLAs or MDCs. Let us come together, walk that extra mile, and discuss this problem without being judgmental. Let’s see how best we can work to find a solution.”

The minister informed that the government has launched an Integrated Health Campaign, which aims to bring HIV/AIDS into mainstream discussion, especially as the situation becomes increasingly alarming in Meghalaya.

“Certain localities and communities are more vulnerable. Without isolating people living with HIV/AIDS or intruding on their privacy, the government of Meghalaya must take steps to contain the spread of the disease,” she stated.

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Following an intra-departmental meeting, Lyngdoh pointed out the need for a coordinated approach. “If the social welfare department does its own thing, the education department does its own thing, and the health department does its own thing, then ultimately, everyone misses the target. We must work together to reduce and contain the numbers and ensure the provision of necessary medical facilities for those affected.”

She also expressed concern over the lack of awareness and open dialogue regarding HIV/AIDS.

“Many people don’t fully understand what HIV/AIDS is. Because of the stigma, even those living with HIV/AIDS may not recognize their symptoms. While we know that sharing needles among injecting drug users is one of the main causes, the real question is — are we willing to talk about it? Are we prepared to address drug use, which is increasingly affecting our homes and communities?”

Lyngdoh stressed the delicate balance between harm reduction and the potential for misinterpretation.

“On one hand, providing clean needles is a widely accepted harm-reduction practice. But how do we promote this without sending the wrong message — that we accept drug addiction? We need to draw a clear line. How to do this effectively is something that demands urgent discussion.”

She also raised the issue of commercial sex work, another key factor in HIV transmission, and the need to address it without moral judgment. “Everyone becomes judgmental when it comes to commercial sex work. There are both silent and vocal sex workers in our society. Is the community ready to sit down and talk about why this profession exists? If we can’t move past our judgmental attitudes, this problem will continue to grow,” she said.

“It’s time we confront the issue, talk about it, and ensure that anyone at risk or already affected does not feel ashamed or afraid to come forward.”

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She concluded by stressing the need for trustworthy systems to support vulnerable groups.

“We must design systems that communities can trust. Building that trust is essential, and we are now at a stage where that redesign is urgently needed.”

Meanwhile, all departments have been directed to prepare relevant programmes in the lead-up to the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, to be observed on June 26.

(Newmai News Network)