Wed Feb 25 13:29:35 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Meghalaya Faces HIV Crisis, Highest Caseload in India
The Story: Meghalaya is grappling with a significant HIV/AIDS crisis, possessing the highest caseload in India. Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla informed the state Assembly on February 25, 2026, that 10,293 people living with HIV are currently receiving antiretroviral treatment. The State government has allocated ₹25 crore for a five-year intervention program to combat the rising number of cases.
Key Points:
- Meghalaya has the highest HIV caseload in India.
- 10,293 individuals are receiving antiretroviral treatment.
- ₹25 crore sanctioned for a five-year intervention program.
- 949 deaths linked to HIV have been recorded in the past decade.
- East Khasi Hills district, with headquarters in Shillong, reported 435 deaths.
- Confidentiality provisions of the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017, and social stigma hinder early detection and intervention.
- The Health Department is intensifying awareness campaigns to improve testing and treatment.
- Meghalaya has 392 standalone integrated counselling and testing centres.
Key Takeaways:
- Meghalaya faces a severe public health challenge with its high HIV prevalence.
- The financial commitment from the state government indicates the seriousness of the situation.
- Social stigma and legal provisions related to confidentiality are major obstacles to effective prevention and control efforts.
- Increased awareness campaigns and accessible testing facilities are crucial for addressing the crisis.
- The focus on opportunistic infections as the cause of death suggests a need for improved management of co-morbidities in HIV-positive individuals.
First Piper 