221% increase in HIV/AIDS cases in state in 19 years
Lack of awareness and information, says Ampareen, stresses on community role
Shillong, June 16: Meghalaya has recorded a 221% increase in HIV/AIDS cases in the last 19 years, making it imperative for the state government to act on the crisis as early as possible.
The Minister in charge of Health and Family Welfare, Ampareen Lyngdoh, said on Tuesday that there is a lack of information and awareness on the disease because there is an apathy to discuss the problems. She stressed the role of the community in spreading awareness and reducing intravenous drug abuse without being “judgmental” and finding ways and means to stop the spread of the disease.
“There is a 221.1% increase in HIV/AIDS cases in the state during the last 19 years, while Tripura has seen over 330%… Very alarming indicators, and this is something only a community can get together to deal with it,” Lyngdoh told reporters.
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Lyngdoh appealed to all the legislators and other public representatives to address the issue.
The minister said the government has come up with the Integrated Health Campaign that needs to be developed in the interest of discussing HIV/AIDS.
She pointed out that certain localities are more vulnerable, and a way has to be found to stop the spread of the infection without isolating victims and intruding into their privacy.
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