Shillong: Five hundred infants in Meghalaya live with HIV. The Meghalaya AIDS Control Society is ramping up efforts to get these children care. Dr. K.L. Iawbor, Joint Project Director for MACS, confirmed that all infants currently get free medicine. A pilot support project in East Khasi Hills is also in the works.
Meghalaya hit an HIV prevalence rate of 0.40 per cent. This doubles the national average of 0.20 per cent. Nearly 10,000 people live with the virus in the state today. Sadly, over 2,000 people dodge treatment because of poverty or stubborn social stigmas.
Some schools refuse to admit kids affected by the virus. Officials are pushing back against these groundless fears. Dr. Iawbor noted that the virus does not spread through daily interaction. She stated, "HIV does not spread through casual contact such as sitting, studying or eating together."
MACS wants the Education Department to step in. They need help keeping kids from poor families in school, especially those who lost parents to the disease. The District Child Protection Unit offers eligible children 4,000 rupees a month for basic needs. Sticking to therapy keeps the virus in check and prevents spread during pregnancy.
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