The Meghalaya government is considering introducing a new law to make HIV/AIDS testing mandatory before marriage, due to the growing number of cases in the state, Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh said on Friday.
Speaking to PTI, Lyngdoh expressed concern over Meghalaya’s sixth national ranking in HIV/AIDS prevalence and said the state is prepared to implement measures. “If Goa has made testing compulsory, why shouldn’t Meghalaya have its own set of laws? These laws would benefit the larger community,” she said.
The minister made the remarks after attending a meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong. The meeting was also attended by Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh and eight MLAs from East Khasi Hills, where drafting a comprehensive HIV/AIDS policy was discussed. The Health Department has been tasked with preparing a cabinet note for the proposed policy, as reported by PTI.
Lyngdoh revealed that East Khasi Hills has reported 3,432 HIV/AIDS cases so far, but only 1,581 of those individuals have received treatment. She also highlighted that the Jaintia Hills region records the highest number of cases in the state.
The state will conduct similar consultations in the Garo Hills and Jaintia Hills to formulate area-specific strategies, working closely with health professionals and local officials.
A total of 159 deaths in East Khasi Hills have been attributed to the loss of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) treatment, she added.
“We must ensure that everyone who has been tested is brought into the treatment system. HIV/AIDS is not fatal if treated properly, just like cancer or TB,” Lyngdoh said.
She also pointed out that sexual transmission remains the primary mode of HIV spread in the state. Injecting drug use has not emerged as a major factor yet, largely due to challenges in identifying users.
