Meghalaya reported 574 new HIV infections during the first quarter of 2026, including 16 cases involving pregnant women, according to data released by the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS) as the state stepped up its efforts to improve HIV awareness, prevention, testing and treatment. The figures were released as MACS launched its Statewide Intensified Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Campaign 3.0 at Lady Keane College in Shillong on Wednesday, coinciding with International Youth Day. According to MACS, around 52 per cent of the newly recorded HIV infections were attributed to casual sexual contact, while 32 per cent were linked to regular partners or spouses. Injecting drug use accounted for nine per cent of infections, commercial sex exposure for four per cent and mother-to-child transmission for around 2.5 per cent. The figures have prompted the state to strengthen its awareness and prevention efforts, particularly among young people. The campaign will focus on the four major routes of HIV transmission—unprotected sexual contact, sharing infected needles and syringes, mother-to-child transmission and transfusion of infected blood.
Launching the campaign, Meghalaya Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla stressed that tackling HIV requires participation from government departments, educational institutions, communities and families, along with health workers and young people.“Ending HIV cannot be the responsibility of MACS alone. It requires collective efforts from the Health Department, other government departments, educational institutions, local communities, civil society organisations, healthcare workers, parents, teachers and young people,” Shylla said.The minister said the state government had approved a five-year plan to strengthen Meghalaya’s response to HIV/AIDS. He urged stakeholders to use the two-month campaign as an opportunity to build a wider statewide movement centred on awareness, prevention, testing, treatment and dignity for people living with HIV. MACS Project Director Dr K L Iawbor said misinformation and stigma continued to be major challenges in the state’s HIV response. He stressed the importance of early diagnosis and timely treatment, while calling for greater public understanding of HIV and the services available to those affected.As part of the campaign, MACS plans to reach 126 villages, 3,000 schools and 85 colleges across the state. The programme will also include around 15,000 door-to-door interactions aimed at taking information directly to households and communities.
Public performances, flash mobs and health camps will form part of the awareness activities. QR codes containing information about HIV, prevention measures and available healthcare services will also be used to make information more accessible, particularly to young people.Shylla highlighted the importance of youth participation in Meghalaya’s HIV response, noting that around 51 per cent of the state’s population is below 20 years of age. He urged students and members of Red Ribbon Clubs in colleges to take an active role in awareness programmes and help spread accurate information about HIV prevention and treatment.The state has been expanding its HIV testing and awareness infrastructure through MACS. Its official platform currently lists 438 HIV testing facilities across Meghalaya and provides information on testing, prevention, treatment and support services.The campaign also comes amid wider efforts under the National AIDS Control Programme to strengthen HIV prevention and treatment in Meghalaya. Four districts—East Jaintia Hills, East Khasi Hills, Ri Bhoi and West Jaintia Hills—have been identified as high-priority districts under the state’s current HIV response.Officials said the latest figures underline the need for sustained awareness, regular testing, timely treatment and continued efforts to reduce stigma and discrimination. The focus, they said, is not only on reducing new infections but also on ensuring that people living with HIV can access healthcare and lead their lives with dignity.
