As many as four North East states have the Adult HIV prevalence rate, which is higher than the National average of 0.21%. Dr Bethabara Decruse, Project Director, Meghalaya AIDS control Society said the HIV scenario in Meghalaya is above the National average.
Talking to Mediapersons in Shillong, Dr Bethabara Decruse said, the HIV scenario in Meghalaya is above the National average.
“We stand at 0.42 percent Adult HIV prevalence rate which is higher than the National average which stands at 0.21 percent. There are other three North eastern states which are higher than the National average. While Mizoram tops the list of the States from North East with the highest prevalence 2.34 percent, Nagaland records 1.34 percent and Manipur its 0.94 percent,” Dr. Decruse said.
This figure is reflected in the data from IBBS 2014-15 and estimations 2022. Dr Decruse, further, said the HIV in Meghalaya is on an increasing trend.
“The districts which are facing more problems of HIV here are the East Jaintia Hills and the West Jaintia Hills, also there are increasing cases in East Khasi Hills and Ri Bhoi District and even in West Khasi Hills,” She said.
Asked, the Project Director, Meghalaya AIDS control Society said, “When we look at the number it’s more in West Jaintia Hills but when we look at the prevalence it’s more in East Jaintia Hills.”
Meanwhile, Meghalaya State AIDS Control Society will host the Red Fest- The Northeast Multimedia Campaign under the title North East United Against HIV/ AIDS to be held at Lariti Centre for Performing Arts on Wednesday.
The bands and artists who are going to perform during the ‘Red Fest – The North East Multimedia Campaign’ are Lenzing Domingo & Band from Arunachal Pradesh; Chali and the Band from Mizoram; Moko Koza from Nagaland; Pillow Records from Tripura; Toxic Pony from Meghalaya; Voodoo Child from Assam; Aloke Y from Nagaland; 1 BHK from Manipur, Girish and the Chronicles from Sikkim and Summersalt from Meghalaya.
North East Multi-Media Campaign spearheaded by NACO aims to utilize the power of music to educate and empower communities in the fight against HIV. NACO recognizes the importance of reaching young people in innovative ways.
Music has the ability to take us beyond boundaries and resonate with audiences on a deep emotional level. By incorporating music into our awareness campaign, we hope to initiate meaningful conversations and bring positive change.