It is okay to test and it is okay if you are positive, there is treatment. It is okay to be asking for treatment and reaching for help.
– Conrad K Sangma, Chief Minister
Shillong, Oct 27: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has announced a mission to combat spread of HIV/AIDS with focus on last mile delivery as he admitted that Meghalaya is among states with the highest HIV/AIDS burden in the country.
“We have decided to have a mission for the next five years, where Rs 25 crore will be spent by the state government and if needed even more,” Sangma said while addressing the State-Level Youth Festival 2026 organised by the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society.
The Chief Minister said the government has already started multiple programmes to tackle drugs, which is linked to spread of HIV/AIDS.
“We have the plan, we have the money and we have the technology – the antiviral medication that is required to control the virus and ensure it does not spread. If treatment is taken properly, the virus will be completely suppressed,” he said.
Admitting severity of the situation, he said, “Meghalaya is one of the highest or the highest in the country when it comes to HIV and AIDS. The numbers are growing every year.”
The Chief Minister warned that delay in action would worsen the crisis and said controlling it is not the job of the government alone.
“It is not just about the AIDS Control Society or the Health Department or the government. It is the responsibility and participation of every citizen that will help us control things. If you don’t take steps today, the situation can get even more difficult,” he said.
Sangma said the focus now is on last-mile delivery – ensuring testing and continuous treatment through home delivery of medicines and anonymous testing facilities.
For this, an all-of-government approach is being adopted, he said.
“Our district level officials play a very important role, whether it is the district officer in-charge of HIV and AIDS, or whether it is Deputy Commissioner, or the NGOs working in the district or schools, colleges. The entire government machinery is going to work for this,” Sangma said.
He said the success of the 95-95-95 targets – identifying, treating and suppressing the virus – will depend on public cooperation.
“The basic message is, it is okay. It is okay to test and it is okay if you are positive, there is treatment. It is okay to be asking for treatment and reaching for help,” Sangma said.
“It is not a stigma anymore,” he added, urging youth to spread the message on social media.
On safe practices, the Chief Minister said, “I will not say it is okay to have casual sex before adulthood, but in case that is the situation, then you should ensure that you use condoms. And if somebody is forcing you, it is okay to say no.”
“Remember, if you are not comfortable, something is wrong. Trust that sense,” he told the youth.
