Wed Feb 25 12:31:34 UTC 2026: # Meghalaya Grapples with Alarming HIV/AIDS Surge, Launches Intervention Program

The Story:
Meghalaya is facing a significant public health crisis as it currently has the highest human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) caseload in India. Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla informed the state Assembly on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, that 10,293 people living with HIV in Meghalaya are receiving antiretroviral treatment. The State government has allocated ₹25 crore for a five-year intervention program to combat the rising cases.

Key Points:

  • Meghalaya has the highest HIV caseload in the country as of February 25, 2026.
  • 10,293 individuals are currently receiving antiretroviral treatment in the state.
  • 949 deaths linked to HIV have been recorded in the past decade, with 435 occurring in the East Khasi Hills district.
  • The government has sanctioned a ₹25-crore intervention program for the next five years.
  • Confidentiality laws and social stigma pose challenges to early detection and intervention.
  • The Health Department is intensifying awareness campaigns and collaborating with community stakeholders to improve testing and treatment.
  • Meghalaya has 392 standalone integrated counseling and testing centers and four mobile centers.

Key Takeaways:

  • Meghalaya faces a serious and urgent HIV/AIDS crisis requiring immediate and sustained intervention.
  • The allocated ₹25 crore intervention program is crucial for addressing the rise in HIV/AIDS cases.
  • Addressing social stigma and ensuring confidentiality are vital for improving testing and treatment rates.
  • Community involvement and awareness campaigns are essential components of the intervention strategy.
  • The high number of deaths, although attributed to opportunistic infections, underscores the severity of the situation.

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