Alarm bells are ringing in Meghalaya, where 10,293-plus HIV patients rely on ART as of January 2026. This was disclosed by Health Minister Alexander Hek in the state assembly Wednesday, spotlighting a decade-long battle claiming 749 lives.
Answering Gambegre MLA Mehtab Chandee Sangma, Hek broke down the fatalities: 435 in East Khasi Hills, 123 in West Jaintia Hills, 90 in East Jaintia Hills, and fewer elsewhere. None resulted directly from HIV/AIDS, but from secondary infections preying on compromised immune systems.
The infection uptick poses challenges, navigated carefully under legal mandates protecting privacy. Consent is king—no forced testing or drugs—and societal stigma looms large as a deterrent.
Yet, proactive measures abound. Awareness campaigns push early diagnosis and adherence. Kudos to CM Conrad Sangma for championing a Rs 25 crore five-year blitz, enhancing testing, personnel, and outreach.
Hek assured VPP’s Ardent Basaiahmoiit of all-out war via community alliances, a dedicated legislative forum, and a legislator-donated vehicle for aid.
Boasting 392 ICTCs and four mobiles statewide, the state affirms: HIV management enables normalcy. ‘It’s controllable, allowing respectful lives,’ Hek affirmed, rallying for collective victory over the virus.