Photo Courtesy: nenews
Shillong: Meghalaya is battling a growing HIV/AIDS crisis. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced a new five-year mission on Tuesday to curb the spread of the virus. The state is pouring 25 crore into the initiative to handle rising annual case counts. Action is overdue. Without immediate intervention, officials fear the situation will spiral out of control.
Sangma addressed attendees at the State Level Red Ribbon Youth Festival 2026 and the Samman Samaroh Award Ceremony in Shillong. The Meghalaya AIDS Control Society hosted the event at the U Soso Tham Auditorium. He stressed that the government alone cannot stop the outbreak. “There is an urgent need for all of us to work together and its not just the Meghalaya Aids Control Society, the health department or the government but it is the responsibility and the participation of every citizen that will help us to ensure that we are able to control this before it gets more difficult in the days to come,” he said.
The mission adopts the UNAIDS 95-95-95 framework. It focuses on identifying new cases, supplying antiviral medication, and ensuring viral suppression. Sangma called for an all-of-government approach. Every district administration and department must join the fight. The plan also addresses drug-related challenges and emphasizes that testing and treatment are vital. Officials want to dismantle the stigma that keeps patients from seeking help.
Young people are the primary target for this advocacy. The mission aims to help them resist peer pressure and prioritize safety. During the ceremony, the state handed out top honors. South Garo Hills earned the Surakshit District Award. Ialong CHC took home the trophy for Best Performing ART Centre. Meanwhile, the Mihmyntdu Community Social Welfare Association of West Jaintia Hills secured the title of Best Performing TI.
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