Shillong, February 25: More than 700 people have died due to HIV/AIDS-related causes in Meghalaya over the past ten years, Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla informed the Assembly on Wednesday.
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Replying to questions raised by Gambegre MLA Mehtab Chandee A. Sangma, Shylla said 749 deaths linked to AIDS were recorded in the state in the last decade. Of these, East Khasi Hills accounted for 435 deaths, followed by West Jaintia Hills (123) and East Jaintia Hills (90).
The minister clarified that all reported deaths were attributed to opportunistic infections (OIs), with no cases directly caused by HIV/AIDS.
As of 2024, 9,674 people were living with HIV/AIDS in the state. By January 2026, more than 10,293 people were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), with Meghalaya currently recording the highest number of HIV cases in the country.
Addressing concerns over rising infections, Shylla cited challenges under the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, which mandates confidentiality and voluntary testing. He said stigma remains a major barrier, discouraging people from coming forward for testing and treatment.
Despite these constraints, the state government has sanctioned ₹25 crore for a five-year mission-mode programme to curb the alarming rise in cases. The initiative will focus on expanding testing centres, increasing manpower, and strengthening outreach services.
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Shylla thanked Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and the state cabinet for approving the targeted mission. He also noted that the National AIDS Control Organisation has sanctioned ₹17.8 crore to the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society for 2025–26.
The minister emphasized that while HIV cannot be cured, it is no longer a death sentence if treated properly, urging citizens to overcome stigma and seek timely medical support.
