Assembly donates vehicle to strengthen HIV/AIDs outreach in Meghalaya

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 11, 2025

In a significant step toward ensuring equitable access to HIV/AIDS services across Meghalaya—especially in remote and underserved areas—the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly has handed over a Mahindra Bolero vehicle to the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS). 

The vehicle was officially presented to Dr. Wallambok Langstieh, Project Director of MACS and other officials , by Malthus S Sangma, Additional Secretary of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, on behalf of Thomas A. Sangma, Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly.

The Speaker has been a steadfast advocate for strengthening the HIV/AIDS response in the state and played a pivotal role in driving this initiative forward.

The vehicle will subsequently be transferred to the Meghalaya State Network of Positive People (MSNP+), where it will be used to trace and re-engage individuals classified as Loss to Follow-Up (LFU) cases. It will also support a wide range of HIV/AIDS outreach and awareness programmes across the state.

Speaking after the handover ceremony, Malthus S Sangma stated: “Today, we have handed over a Mahindra Bolero vehicle to the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society. On behalf of the Hon’ble Speaker, I had the honour of presenting it to MACS officials. This has been a long-cherished aspiration—to have a vehicle capable of reaching rural areas, serving individuals living with HIV who face challenges in accessing treatment from Shillong. This vehicle will bring services directly to the doorsteps of those in need, particularly in villages and remote locations. I believe this small but meaningful gesture from the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, under the guidance and generosity of the Hon’ble Speaker, will significantly contribute to supporting individuals and communities in our ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS in the state.”