Social Welfare Minister, Paul Lyngdoh on Friday said the major strength of Meghalaya is that its indigenous population here are community driven.
Urging the communities to build up the inherent strength to fight a war against drugs and Narcotics use, Lyngdoh said it’s very distressing to hear the statistics, and to know that the prevalence of HIV AIDS is well above the National average.
“The major strength of Meghalaya is the fact that indigenous population in Meghalaya is community driven, we have always until today except few pockets here in Shillong we still observe practices where we can share our means together as neighbours. This is an inherent strength we must build upon in a war against drugs and in a war against Narcotics and also the impact that this has had on the rise in HIV cases in Meghalaya,” Lyngdoh said.
“It’s very distressing to hear the statistics, and to know that the prevalence of HIV AIDS is well above the National average. Let us pledge to be difference makers, let us pledge to remind ourselves that where a strong mind sees opportunities, we can and we shall fight against Drugs and HIV,” he added.
According to sources, around 8384 in Meghalaya are persons living with HIV care as on October 2023. the most number of PLHIVs found in East Khasi Hills district.
The sources informed that as per statistics available with the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS), East Khasi Hills – 2611, Eastern West Khasi Hills – 210, South West Khasi Hills – 115, West Khasi Hills – 112, Ri Bhoi- 531, East Jaintia Hills -1976, West Jaintia Hills – 2441, North Garo Hills – 17, West Garo Hills – 111, South West Garo Hills – 19, South Garo Hills – 18, East Garo Hills – 23, others- 200. World AIDS day was observed on Friday at Polo Ground Shillong.
The programme was organised by Meghalaya AIDS control Society.