MACS has conducted awareness campaigns and testing programmes, screening 6,882 individuals, with 24 testing HIV-positive.
Shillong, Nov 28: In an alarming health scenario, over 10,000 people, including around 500 children, have been found infected with HIV/AIDS in the state, according to the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS).
“More than 10,000 people have tested positive for HIV/AIDS in Meghalaya, and it’s alarming that 500 of them are children,” Dr KL Iawbor, Project Director of MACS told reporters on Friday.
District-wise, East Jantia Hills has recorded the highest number of HIV/AIDS cases and infected children in the district are mostly from poor families.
“The main reason for the spread is unprotected heterosexual activities, and most people are not coming forward for testing,” Dr Iawbor said ahead of the World AIDS Day on December 1.
Emphasising the need for collective responsibility in combating the spread of the disease, he said, “This virus is very dangerous, and it is the responsibility of each and every one of us to stop the transmission so that we can make our state and country HIV-free by 2030.”
MACS has conducted awareness campaigns and testing programmes, screening 6,882 individuals, with 24 testing HIV-positive.
“Eighty-seven percent of the cases were detected during outreach programmes targeting high-risk groups and the general population,” Dr Iawbor said adding “Some of them have come voluntarily and some were referred on being suspected that they may be having this virus.”
Meanwhile, MACS is organising a bike rally and other events on December 1, with Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma as the chief guest, to spread awareness and support those living with HIV/AIDS.
Cabinet ministers and all MLAs of East Khasi Hills besides nursing and paramedical schools, people living with HIV will also be part of the progamme.
