Meghalaya launches 5-year HIV mission with ₹25 crore as cases rise

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday, October 27, announced a five-year special mission to tackle rising HIV cases in the state, with an initial allocation of ₹25 crore.

Meghalaya has recorded 9,244 people living with HIV. Sangma spoke at the State Red Ribbon Youth Festival 2026 in Shillong.

A whole-of-government approach

Sangma said the fight against HIV/AIDS could not be left to the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society or the health department alone. He said every citizen had to take part if the state was to control the spread before it became harder to manage.

The mission will take a multi-sectoral approach, involving departments across government to strengthen testing, treatment and awareness.

The 95-95-95 targets

The strategy is aligned with the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets:

• 95 per cent of people living with HIV should know their status
• 95 per cent of those diagnosed should be on antiretroviral therapy
• 95 per cent of those on treatment should achieve viral suppression

Testing and stigma

Sangma stressed early diagnosis and sustained treatment, noting that antiretroviral medicines can suppress the virus and help prevent transmission. The mission will encourage testing and try to make sure people diagnosed have continuous access to treatment.

He said fear of discrimination often stops people from seeking tests and care, and that reducing the stigma around HIV and drug use was essential. He urged young people to make informed choices and resist peer pressure.

Awards at the festival

• South Garo Hills received the Surakshit District Award.
• Ialong Community Health Centre was named the Best Performing Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Centre.
• The Mihmyntdu Community Social Welfare Association of West Jaintia Hills won the Best Performing Targeted Intervention award.

The State Red Ribbon Youth Festival trains young people as peer educators and advocates through schools, colleges and village programmes. Winners of competitions held during the festival were felicitated by the chief minister.

Where to get help

HIV testing and counselling are available free at government Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres, and antiretroviral treatment is provided free at ART centres. The national AIDS helpline is 1097.