Meghalaya Government Considers Mandatory HIV Testing Before Marriage

The Meghalaya government is contemplating a new law that would mandate HIV/AIDS testing prior to marriage, as announced by Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh. This initiative aims to address the alarming rise in HIV cases within the state, where it ranks sixth nationally in prevalence. The government plans to develop a comprehensive policy and hold meetings in various regions to create targeted strategies. With a significant number of cases reported, the focus is on improving testing and treatment accessibility. The minister emphasizes that HIV/AIDS can be effectively managed with proper care, similar to other serious health conditions.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 25, 2025, 14:20 IST

Mandatory HIV Testing Proposal in Meghalaya

Shillong, July 25: The government of Meghalaya is exploring the possibility of enacting a law that would require HIV/AIDS testing prior to marriage, as stated by Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh on Friday.

She mentioned that this initiative is being considered in response to the increasing number of HIV cases within the state.

Currently, Meghalaya holds the sixth position in the country regarding HIV/AIDS prevalence, with the northeastern region facing a significant burden overall, according to her remarks.

“If Goa has implemented mandatory testing, why shouldn't Meghalaya establish its own regulations? Such laws would serve the greater community,” Lyngdoh remarked during a press briefing.

“The state is ready to take decisive actions,” she added.

The Health Minister participated in a meeting led by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, which also included Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh and eight MLAs from the East Khasi Hills district, aimed at developing a comprehensive HIV/AIDS policy in a proactive manner.

The Health department has been tasked with drafting a cabinet note regarding this policy.

Lyngdoh indicated that the government plans to conduct similar meetings in the Garo Hills and Jaintia Hills regions to create localized strategies, collaborating with bureaucrats and healthcare professionals.

She expressed concern over the rising cases, noting that East Khasi Hills has reported 3,432 HIV/AIDS cases, with only 1,581 patients currently receiving treatment.

“We have only discussed East Khasi Hills, and the figures are alarmingly high. The Jaintia Hills region, both West and East, unfortunately, has the highest numbers in the state,” she stated.

The Health Minister emphasized that while awareness is not a significant issue anymore, the real challenge lies in enhancing testing and screening efforts.

She revealed that 159 deaths have been linked to the discontinuation of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) in the district.

“It is crucial that everyone who has been tested is integrated into the treatment system. HIV/AIDS is manageable with proper treatment, similar to cancer or tuberculosis,” she explained.

She also pointed out that the primary mode of transmission in the state is through sexual contact, while injecting drug use has not yet become a prevalent issue due to difficulties in identifying users.