24 New HIV Cases Detected in Meghalaya During Three-Month Testing Drive

SHILLONG: The Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS) has identified 24 people living with HIV across the state during an intensive testing campaign conducted from September to November this year, officials revealed on Friday.

Addressing a press conference ahead of World AIDS Day, MACS Project Director Dr KL Iawbor said the society screened a total of 6,882 individuals at 138 sentinel sites under its Integrated HIV Campaign. Notably, 87% of the new cases were detected through door-to-door and community outreach programmes rather than at fixed facilities.

Dr Iawbor stressed that every test is preceded by detailed counselling and requires informed consent. “Compulsory or random testing is not permitted. We counsel first, obtain consent, and only then proceed,” she said, adding that all newly diagnosed persons have been immediately linked to antiretroviral treatment centres.

The majority of new infections continue to be driven by unprotected heterosexual contact, while stigma and fear still prevent many high-risk individuals from seeking voluntary testing, she noted.

Urging collective responsibility, Dr Iawbor said, “HIV remains a serious threat. Every citizen must play their part so that Meghalaya and India can achieve the national goal of becoming HIV-free by 2030.”

MACS has submitted fresh proposals to the state government for establishing additional Oral Substitution Therapy (OST) centres and confirmatory testing laboratories, especially in remote districts. “The proposals are ready and have been sent to the government for approval,” the Project Director informed.

Meanwhile, Meghalaya will observe World AIDS Day 2025 on December 1 with the global theme ‘Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response’. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, along with legislators from East Khasi Hills, ministers, medical institutions, and members of the HIV-positive community, will attend the state-level function at the State Convention Centre in Shillong.

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