Meghalaya's HIV rate twice national average, nearly 7 new cases detected every day
Chairing the first meeting of the Meghalaya State Council on AIDS, CM Sangma said HIV prevalence in the state stood at 0.40 per cent, compared with the national average of 0.20 per cent.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday said HIV/AIDS prevalence in the state was twice the national average, calling for a coordinated, “whole-of-society” approach to tackle the disease and address gaps in treatment and patient retention.
Chairing the first meeting of the Meghalaya State Council on AIDS, Sangma said HIV prevalence in the state stood at 0.40 per cent, compared with the national average of 0.20 per cent.
He said new HIV infections in Meghalaya had risen by 58.74 per cent since 2010, with nearly seven cases being detected every day.
“We currently have 618 HIV cases, including 60 pregnant women living with HIV,” Sangma said.
While AIDS-related deaths have declined by 61.18 per cent since 2010, only 77.2 per cent of people living with HIV are currently receiving treatment, he said. As many as 2,381 diagnosed people are yet to begin treatment.
“Our biggest gap today is not diagnosis but treatment and retention,” Sangma said, attributing poor follow-up in part to financial constraints and stigma.
The Chief Minister outlined a five-pronged strategy focusing on early detection, improving treatment and retention, preventing new infections, protecting mothers and children, and reducing stigma around HIV/AIDS.
The government plans to expand self-testing and index partner testing, deploy mobile Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTCs), set up new Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) centres, provide home delivery of medicines and track patients who miss appointments, he said.
Sangma also called for stronger awareness campaigns involving young people, communities, educational institutions and people living with HIV.
“Together, we must ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against HIV/AIDS,” the Chief Minister said.