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The Meghalaya government is actively considering a new law to mandate HIV/AIDS testing for couples before marriage, Health Minister Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh announced, addressing a sharp rise in HIV cases across the state. The proposal aims to curb the virus’s spread and ensure early detection and treatment.
Meghalaya, ranking sixth nationally in HIV prevalence, faces a public health crisis, particularly in East Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills. Key statistics highlight the urgency:
East Khasi Hills: 3,432 cases in 2024, nearly double the previous year’s count.
Jaintia Hills: The state’s hardest-hit region with the highest case numbers.
Treatment Gap: Only 1,581 of 3,432 patients in East Khasi Hills receive antiretroviral therapy (ART), with 681 lost to follow-up, contributing to 159 deaths due to treatment interruptions.
Since 2008, the state has recorded over 10,000 HIV cases, with approximately 982 new cases annually, according to the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society.
Lyngdoh, speaking in Shillong, emphasized the urgency, citing Meghalaya AIDS Control Society data highlighting unprotected sex as the primary mode of transmission. Unlike other Northeastern states where injecting drug use drives infections, Meghalaya’s epidemic stems largely from sexual contact, though drug use is an emerging concern.
“We must ensure everyone tested enters the treatment system, as HIV is not fatal if treated properly,” Lyngdoh said, comparing HIV management to chronic diseases like tuberculosis or cancer.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong chaired a high-level meeting on July 24, 2025, directing the health department to draft a cabinet note for a comprehensive HIV/AIDS policy. The policy prioritizes mandatory pre-marital testing, inspired by Goa’s proposed law.
It also includes enhanced screening, treatment, and awareness campaigns. Consultations with bureaucrats and medical professionals will extend to Garo Hills and Jaintia Hills to tailor region-specific strategies.
As reported by India Today, Lyngdoh said, “If Goa has made testing compulsory, why shouldn't Meghalaya have its own set of laws? These laws would benefit the larger community. The state is mentally prepared to take strong actions.”
The government aims to balance public health measures with privacy and dignity, avoiding stigmatization by withholding specific hotspot data. The Integrated Health Campaign, in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department and DREAMS Mission, will address related issues like drug abuse and commercial sex work without judgment.
Experts support the proposal but urge robust counseling and confidentiality safeguards to protect individual rights. They emphasize stigma reduction efforts to encourage testing and treatment adherence.
“Mandatory testing must be paired with community-based outreach to tackle social barriers like stigma and fear of disclosure,” a public health expert noted. The approach mirrors global recommendations from the World Health Organization, which advocates for voluntary, confidential testing alongside support systems.
The proposed legislation, currently under legal review, seeks to close treatment gaps and reduce transmission through early intervention. By fostering early detection and consistent treatment, Meghalaya aims to destigmatize HIV/AIDS and promote a healthier, more inclusive society.
(Rh/Eth/Pooja Bansal/MSM/SE)
