Shillong, Oct 27 (PTI) Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday announced a five-year special mission to combat rising HIV cases in the state.
Meghalaya has recorded 9,244 people living with HIV in the state.
The chief minister also called for greater youth participation, wider testing and reduced stigma while addressing the State Red Ribbon Youth Festival 2026 in Shillong.
Sangma said the fight against HIV/AIDS could not be left to the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society or the health department alone, but required the active participation of every citizen.
“There is an urgent need for all of us to work together. It is not just the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society, the health department or the government, but the responsibility and participation of every citizen that will help us ensure that we are able to control this before it gets more difficult in the days to come,” he said.
Sangma said the state government had initiated a five-year mission with an initial allocation of Rs 25 crore, adopting a multi-sectoral approach to address the growing challenge.
He said the strategy was aligned with the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, which seek to ensure that 95 per cent of people living with HIV know their status, 95 per cent of those diagnosed receive antiretroviral therapy, and 95 per cent of those receiving treatment achieve viral suppression.
The chief minister said the initiative would involve the entire government machinery, with departments working together to strengthen testing, treatment and awareness programmes.
Emphasising the importance of early diagnosis and sustained treatment, Sangma said antiretroviral medicines were available to suppress the virus and help prevent its transmission.
The mission would focus on encouraging testing and ensuring that people diagnosed with HIV had access to continuous treatment through accessible and supportive systems.
He also stressed the need to address the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS and drug abuse, saying fear of discrimination often discouraged people from seeking testing and treatment.
“Reducing the stigma surrounding HIV and drug abuse is essential for encouraging people to reach out,” he said.
Highlighting the role of young people in the state’s response, Sangma urged them to make informed decisions, resist peer pressure and feel confident in refusing unsafe situations.
The festival also featured the Samman Samaroh award ceremony, during which South Garo Hills received the Surakshit District Award.
Ialong Community Health Centre was recognised as the Best Performing Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Centre for its services to people living with HIV, while the Mihmyntdu Community Social Welfare Association of West Jaintia Hills received the Best Performing Targeted Intervention (TI) award.
The State Red Ribbon Youth Festival seeks to engage young people as peer educators and advocates in the fight against HIV/AIDS through schools, colleges and village-level initiatives. Winners of various competitions held as part of the festival were also felicitated by the chief minister. PTI JOP RG
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