Meghalaya has reported more than 10,000 people diagnosed with HIV prompting the state government to intensify its awareness and outreach efforts aimed at improving prevention, early testing and treatment uptake. The growing concern is not limited to HIV transmission itself. Health authorities are also facing challenges linked to stigma, misconceptions surrounding the disease and delays in people coming forward for testing and treatment. The government now plans to strengthen its Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities to address these gaps and encourage people to know their HIV status.
The Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS) has already stepped up community-level initiatives. In July, it launched an HIV/AIDS awareness roadshow in West Jaintia Hills focusing on HIV and sexually transmitted infections, prevention methods and the importance of voluntary HIV counselling and testing. As part of the outreach programme, a mobile awareness vehicle is being used to take information directly to communities. The initiative is designed to improve public understanding of HIV, encourage early diagnosis and reduce stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV. Information is also being provided on Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTCs), Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) Centres, Link ART Centres, Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) and Prevention of Parent-to-Child Transmission (PPTCT) services.
The state has also been using community and faith-based organisations to strengthen HIV awareness. In East Jaintia Hills, the government recently engaged faith-based organisations as part of a three-month Integrated Health Campaign running from July to September 2026. Religious and community leaders have been encouraged to help educate residents, reduce HIV-related stigma and motivate people to voluntarily undergo testing. During the launch of the campaign in East Jaintia Hills, officials highlighted that HIV testing is among the key services being offered through the initiative with early detection considered critical to controlling transmission. The campaign also stressed that ignorance, misconceptions, stigma and discrimination can discourage people from seeking testing and care.
The renewed focus comes as Meghalaya remains among the northeastern states being closely monitored under the national HIV-control programme. At a regional review meeting held in February 2026, the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) identified East Jaintia Hills, East Khasi Hills, Ri Bhoi and West Jaintia Hills among Meghalaya’s high-priority districts for accelerating HIV-control efforts. India has set a target of achieving HIV control by December 1, 2027 under Mission AIDS Suraksha.
