Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Meghalaya HIV Prevalence Twice National Average, CM Says
Meghalaya’s chief minister said HIV is more common there than across India overall.
He said 0.40% of people in the state have HIV, compared with 0.20% nationally.
New infections have risen since 2010.
Nearly seven cases are being found each day.
The state has also seen fewer AIDS-related deaths.
However, some people who have been diagnosed have not started or continued treatment.
Money problems and stigma can make it harder for people to get care.
The government wants communities, schools, young people and health workers to work together to prevent infections and support patients.
Meghalaya’s HIV prevalence is 0.40%, twice India’s national average of 0.20%, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said.
New HIV infections in the state have increased 58.74% since 2010, with nearly seven cases detected daily.
Sangma said 618 HIV cases include 60 pregnant women living with HIV.
AIDS-related deaths have fallen 61.18% since 2010, but only 77.2% of people living with HIV are receiving treatment.
The state plans to expand testing, treatment access, medicine delivery, follow-up tracking and anti-stigma campaigns.
- Who
- Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and the Meghalaya State Council on AIDS.
- What
- The state reported HIV prevalence twice India’s average and outlined measures to improve prevention, treatment and retention.
- When
- Tuesday; the reported comparisons include changes since 2010.
- Where
- Meghalaya, India.
- Why
- To address rising infections, treatment gaps, missed follow-ups, financial constraints and stigma.
- HIV prevalence in Meghalaya
- 0.40%
- National HIV prevalence
- 0.20%
- Increase in new infections since 2010
- 58.74%
- Reported HIV cases
- 618, including 60 pregnant women living with HIV
- People living with HIV under treatment
- 77.2%
- Diagnosed people yet to begin treatment
- 2,381
- Decline in AIDS-related deaths since 2010
- 61.18%