The Meghalaya health department has raised concern amid increasing number of HIV/AIDS cases in the state, with more than 10,000 people testing positive, including 500 children. The situation, officials informed, is particularly alarming in East Jaintia Hills district, which continues to register the highest number of infections among the districts in the state. According to reports, a majority of HIV-positive children belong to economically disadvantaged backgrounds, a disturbing trend indicative of the social challenges faced by the state amid the health crisis.
“So far, over 10,000 people have tested positive, and what’s concerning is that 500 of them are children,” an official said. Attributing the primary cause of the transmission to unprotected heterosexual activities, the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS) also identified that some individuals have been reluctant to come forward for testing, resulting in delayed detection of cases. Such hesitation also prevents early intervention and treatment for those at risk. MACS project director Dr K.L Iawbor underscored the need for a collective approach to address the issue. “This virus is very dangerous. So, the onus is on each and every one of us to stop its transmission so that we can make our state and country HIV-free by 2030,” he said, reflecting the urgency felt by health officials as new cases continue to emerge in the state.
Meanwhile, a series of awareness and screening initiatives has been taken by the MACS as part of its efforts to curb the spread of HIV. The society has tested 6,882 individuals through recent campaigns, of whom 24 were confirmed to be HIV-positive. These screenings were carried out through a combination of outreach programmes, voluntary testing and referrals based on suspicion. According to the official, a significant proportion of new infections have been identified through focused outreach among the high-risk groups and the people in general. “Eighty-seven per cent of cases were detected during outreach programmes among high-risk groups and the general population,” he said. The initiatives highlight the importance of targeted interventions to ensure that vulnerable populations receive timely information and access to testing. On the occasion of World AIDS Day, MACS is also organising a bikers’ rally among a series of public events and awareness programmes on Monday.