The adult HIV prevalence rate in Meghalaya stands at 0.39 per cent which is higher than the national average which stands at 0.21 per cent. This was stated by Meghalaya AIDS Control Society Project Director, Dr. B Decruse.
Talking to Meghalaya News 24 at the sideline of the Youth fest 2023 organised by Meghalaya AIDS Control Society, she said in the country people in the age group of 15-29 years comprise almost 25 percent of the country’s population; however, they account for 31 percent of AIDS burden.
“The adult HIV prevalence rate in Meghalaya is higher than the national average, the National average stands at 0.21 percent and Meghalaya adult HIV prevalence rate is at 0.39 per cent, which is higher than the National average,” Dr. B Decruse said.
She said Jaintia Hills is the most affected area in the state of Meghalaya.
“The Jaintia Hills region both East and the West Jaintia Hills constitute about 60 per cent of the total HIV Aids burden of the state,” She added.
Calling it an alarming, Dr. Decruse said, “We are in the increasing trend of the disease, other states in the country are in the decreasing trend but Meghalaya is one of the state which is in the rise of HIV infection, amongst the state in India we are number 2 while No 1 is Tripura.”
“The purpose is we need to create awareness among the youth, we know that this is the vulnerable population that’s why we want to create awareness among the youths,” Meghalaya AIDS Control Society Project Director.
With stigma and misconception amongst the people about HIV AIDS, this Youth Festival is being organised in collaboration with the different colleges of East Khasi Hills district, similar fest was organised in Jaintia Hills and these will also be Organized in other District as well.
After District level, the winners will be selected for the state level and the state level winner will be selected to represent state at the National level.