Shillong: Meghalaya’s HIV prevalence stands at 0.40%, twice the national average of 0.20%, chief minister Conrad K Sangma said on Tuesday, describing HIV/AIDS as a “serious public health challenge.”“Since 2010, new infections have increased by 58.74%, equivalent to nearly seven cases detected every day. We currently have 618 HIV cases, including 60 pregnant women living with HIV,” Sangma said after chairing the first meeting of the Meghalaya State Council on AIDS at the secretariat in Shillong.While AIDS-related deaths have declined by 61.18% since 2010, only 77.2% of people living with HIV are on treatment, he said.“Our biggest gap today is not diagnosis but treatment and retention. Financial constraints and stigma remain major reasons for loss to follow-up, with 2,381 diagnosed persons yet to begin treatment,” Sangma said.The govt’s five-pronged strategy will focus on early detection, improved treatment and retention, prevention of new infections, protection of mothers and children, and reducing stigma.The meeting discussed expanding HIV self-testing and index partner testing, deploying mobile Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres, opening new antiretroviral therapy centres, home delivery of medicines and tracking missed appointments.The govt will also strengthen awareness campaigns involving youth, communities, educational institutions and people living with HIV.“Together, we must ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against HIV/AIDS,” Sangma said.
