Close to 1,000 new HIV cases a year: Meghalaya sounds alarm

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 18, 2025

Meghalaya is witnessing a surge in HIV infections, with nearly 982 new cases reported each year, prompting the state government to take urgent steps to contain the spread.

Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, while addressing the media after a high-level meeting with medical experts and officials from various departments, expressed serious concern over the rising trend. She called the numbers “deeply concerning” and warned that the lack of awareness and testing is putting entire communities at risk.

The meeting focused on devising a coordinated strategy to combat the spread of HIV across the state. According to the Minister, the main drivers behind the growing number of infections include needle-sharing among drug users and unprotected sexual activity, particularly involving commercial sex workers. A low rate of voluntary testing further complicates containment efforts.

To address this, the government plans to roll out statewide awareness campaigns focusing on prevention, early testing, and responsible health practices.

Dr. Lyngdoh urged community leaders, village authorities, and faith-based institutions to support the initiative, stressing that community engagement is critical to the success of any intervention.

She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling the crisis through a mix of public education, improved healthcare access, and inter-departmental coordination.