Shillong, June 18, 2025 – The serene hills of Meghalaya are abuzz with grave concern as the state confronts a worrying escalation in HIV infections. Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh convened an urgent meeting on Tuesday, rallying top health officials, medical professionals, and department heads to forge a robust action plan aimed at reining in the virus’s spread.
The gravity of the situation was laid bare by Minister Lyngdoh herself during a press briefing held post-meeting, where she disclosed a staggering figure: nearly 9,000 new HIV cases are now being reported annually in the state. This alarming statistic, which she candidly termed “deeply concerning,” underscores the urgent need for intervention.
Lyngdoh pinpointed intravenous drug use involving shared needles and unprotected sexual encounters, especially those involving commercial sex workers, as primary catalysts behind this unsettling surge. Adding to the complexity, she highlighted a pervasive reluctance among individuals to undergo voluntary testing, a factor she believes is exacerbating the crisis significantly.
“This is not just a public health issue. It’s threatening the well-being of entire communities,” Lyngdoh asserted, her voice resonating with the urgency of immediate and collective action. Her call to arms seeks to mobilise every segment of society in this crucial fight.
In response, the government is set to launch extensive mass awareness campaigns, designed to champion prevention strategies and encourage early detection. Minister Lyngdoh also underscored the critical need for stronger grassroots engagement, reaching out to traditional village heads and revered religious leaders to enlist them as active collaborators in the state’s expansive outreach initiatives.
Officials present at the briefing confirmed that these crucial public education drives are slated to commence in the coming weeks. These campaigns will specifically target high-risk groups, with a clear focus on promoting responsible sexual health practices, advocating for safe drug use, and ensuring easy access to vital testing facilities across the state.