HIV Test Before Marriage: A Full-Blown Crisis in Jaintia Hills
Official reports indicate HIV/AIDS has escalated from a threat to a full-blown crisis in West and East Jaintia Hills. Over half of Meghalaya’s approximately 5000 cases originate from this region, highlighting insufficient awareness and prevention efforts. An Intensified Campaign for Eradication (ICE) was launched at Thomas Jones Synod College on International Youth Day, aiming to raise awareness and combat the social stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS.
Stigma: More Dangerous Than the Disease
Sandy Tariang, Cluster Programme Manager for the District Integrated Strategy, highlights that social stigma is now more dangerous than the disease itself. Fear of social exclusion deters people from testing and seeking treatment. Amelia Momin, Assistant Commissioner, emphasises that an HIV-positive individual is first and foremost a human being deserving of respect, compassion, and support. The campaign, spanning the next two and a half months, will reach approximately 150 villages through rallies, traditional games, and cultural events to address the awareness gap in rural areas. Students are being engaged as information ambassadors to disseminate accurate information within their communities.
The Numbers: Why is this Worrying?
| Description | Data | Note |
| HIV prevalence rate in Meghalaya (2021) | 0.42% | Among the 15-49 age group |
| All-India HIV average rate (2021) | 0.21% | Meghalaya’s rate is double the national average |
| HIV prevalence rate in Meghalaya (2019) | 0.76% | Ranked third after Mizoram (1.19%) at that time |
| Increase in the number of infected (in the last 19 years) | 221.1% | Shows a massive increase in infections in the state |
| Estimated total number of infected people in Meghalaya | ~8692 |
Necessity or Violation of Rights?
Meghalaya’s proposed mandatory HIV testing raises crucial questions: is it a necessary public health measure or a human rights violation? While such laws might aid in preventing transmission, they risk increasing discrimination and undermining the dignity of those living with HIV. The need is to make treatment accessible and confidential, while intensifying social awareness campaigns. People must understand that living with HIV is possible with timely and consistent treatment. Legislation alone won’t solve the problem unless societal attitudes change and the fear of stigma is eradicated. This requires a collaborative effort from the government, society, and individuals.
