Meghalaya Faces Highest HIV Cases in India: Government Initiatives Underway

Meghalaya has the highest HIV caseload in India, with over 10,000 individuals receiving treatment. Health Minister W Shylla announced a five-year intervention plan worth Rs 25 crore to address the crisis. Despite challenges like social stigma and confidentiality issues, the government is intensifying awareness campaigns and expanding testing facilities. The state has recorded 749 deaths linked to HIV over the past decade, primarily due to opportunistic infections. The government is collaborating with community stakeholders to promote testing and treatment, emphasizing that HIV can be managed effectively, allowing patients to live dignified lives.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 25, 2026, 17:02 IST

Meghalaya's HIV Situation

Shillong, Feb 25: Meghalaya has reported the highest number of HIV cases in India, with over 10,000 individuals currently undergoing treatment, as stated by Health Minister W Shylla during an Assembly session on Wednesday.

The Minister revealed that 10,293 residents are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the state. To tackle this pressing issue, the government has sanctioned a five-year intervention plan worth Rs 25 crore.

In response to a query from NPP legislator Mehtab Chandee A Sangma, Shylla noted that there have been 749 deaths associated with HIV over the last decade. The East Khasi Hills district recorded the highest fatalities at 435, followed by West Jaintia Hills with 123 and East Jaintia Hills with 90.

Other districts reported lower figures, including Ri Bhoi (51), Eastern West Khasi Hills (16), West Khasi Hills (8), South West Khasi Hills (7), West Garo Hills (9), East Garo Hills (4), South Garo Hills (3), North Garo Hills (1), and South West Garo Hills (2).

Shylla emphasized that all reported deaths were due to opportunistic infections, with none directly attributed to HIV/AIDS.

When addressing the rise in infections, he highlighted that confidentiality laws under the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act and social stigma present significant hurdles.

"HIV status must remain confidential, testing requires consent, and we cannot compel individuals to take medication. Stigma remains a major barrier, preventing many from seeking testing," he explained.

Despite these challenges, the Department is ramping up awareness initiatives to boost treatment enrollment.

Shylla acknowledged Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and the state cabinet for endorsing the five-year mission aimed at enhancing testing facilities and workforce.

In response to inquiries from legislators, including VPP MLA Ardent Basaiawmoit, the Minister mentioned that the government is collaborating with community partners to promote testing and treatment. Additionally, MLAs have contributed resources to provide a Bolero vehicle for individuals living with HIV.

"I want to stress that HIV is no longer a death sentence. While it cannot be cured, it can be managed effectively, allowing patients to lead dignified lives," he stated.

Regarding infrastructure, Shylla noted that Meghalaya has established 392 standalone Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTCs) across various districts, along with four mobile ICTCs operating statewide.

Furthermore, the National AIDS Control Organisation has allocated Rs 17.8 crore to the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society for the fiscal year 2025-26 to enhance ongoing initiatives, including awareness campaigns, targeted outreach, opioid substitution therapy centres, and expanded screening and care support services.