Meghalaya Health Minister Warns State Has Highest HIV-Related Deaths

Meghalaya's Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla has raised alarm over the rising HIV cases in the state, noting that 10,293 infected residents were receiving antiretroviral treatment.Along with this, Shylla noted that nearly 750 people have died due to the condition in the past decade with East Khasi Hills district reporting 435 of those cases. Coming in second is West Jaintia Hills with 123 cases, East Jaintia Hills with 90 cases, Ri Bhoi with 51 cases and Eastern West Khasi Hills reporting 16. Nine deaths in West Garo Hills, eight in West Khasi Hills, seven in South West Khasi Hills, three in South Garo Hills, two in South West Garo Hills, and one in North Garo Hills have also been recorded. During a question hour in an assembly session on February 25, the official said: "It is very unfortunate, but Meghalaya is having the highest cases in India". He also highlighted the confidentiality clauses in the HIV and AIDS Prevention and Control Act, 2017 as well as existing social stigma as major challenges in addressing the rampant spread of the issue. “Early detection and intervention get complicated because testing requires consent and treatment cannot be forced,” he said.“The State government has sanctioned a ₹25-crore intervention program for the next five years to address the alarming rise in HIV/AIDS cases,” Shylla declared as well as assured that the Department has been intensifying awareness campaigns to improve testing and treatment.The global challenge of HIV/AIDS remains one of the most pressing public health issues today. According to the latest data from UNAIDS, around 38.4 million people worldwide are living with HIV/AIDS.As of 2024–2025, India has approximately 2.5 million to 2.56 million people living with HIV (PLHIV), marking the third-largest HIV epidemic globally, underlining the need for not only medical intervention but also comprehensive awareness, education, and social change.What Is HIV?HIV is the virus responsible for attacking the body’s immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells, which are crucial for the body’s defense against infections. As HIV progresses, it destroys these cells, weakening the immune system over time. If left untreated, this continuous damage can lead to AIDS.HIV is highly contagious and can be transmitted through the exchange of bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. It is primarily spread through unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles, from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding.Without treatment, HIV progresses through three stages:- Acute HIV Infection: This stage occurs shortly after transmission and may include symptoms like fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.- Chronic HIV Infection: Often asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic, the virus continues to damage the immune system but at a slower rate.- AIDS: This is the final stage, marked by severe immune damage and the presence of infections that take advantage of the compromised immune defenses.The disease is diagnosed through blood tests or oral swabs that detect the presence of the virus or antibodies produced by the immune system in response to the virus. Early detection of HIV is crucial, as it allows for timely intervention and treatment, which can prevent the virus from progressing to AIDS.For HIV, the primary treatment goal is to suppress the virus to undetectable levels, thus maintaining a strong immune system and preventing further transmission of the virus. People living with HIV can often live long, healthy lives if they adhere to antiretroviral therapy (ART).What's Happening In Mizoram?Mizoram Health Minister Lalrinpuii has expressed serious concern about rising HIV cases, as data shows that cases in the state are 13 times higher than the national average.Calling it a "collective disgrace", Lalrinpuii said: “About 70 per cent of HIV transmissions in Mizoram occur through sexual contact. While the national prevalence rate stands at a mere 0.2 per cent, Mizoram’s rate has climbed to 2.74 per cent. This is a matter of shame for Mizo society.”Speaking at an event organised for International Condom Day in Aizawl on February 13, she noted that a majority of that sexual contact remains the primary route of HIV infections in the state, accounting for 70 per cent of all cases.The minister noted that the spread is largely driven by infidelity and a lack of preventive measures, which she argued contradicted the moral and religious values of the Mizo society.She urged the people of the state to remain faithful to their partners. “To protect the future of Mizoram, our youth must remain vigilant,” Lalrinpuii added.

Meghalaya Health Minister Warns State Has Highest HIV-Related Deaths

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