Study finds children in Meghalaya start using drugs at age 10

CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: A recent study has revealed that children in Meghalaya start using drugs as early as the age of 10 — significantly younger than the average starting age of 22 reported in Manipur and Nagaland. The study, published in the April–June 2025 issue of the Indian Journal of Public Health, was conducted by researchers from the Indian Institute of Public Health, Shillong, in partnership with the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society. Researchers surveyed 128 individuals undergoing opioid substitution therapy across East Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills, and East Jaintia Hills districts, along with 17 service providers.

Explaining the findings, Deputy Director of the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society, Ajoy M. Lanong, said, “This study was done in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Public Health. It was not conducted across the entire state of Meghalaya; we selected a few districts with higher numbers of injecting drug users. That is why the findings show that children as young as 10 are starting to use drugs. Our main objective is to encourage them to stop using drugs.”

Meghalaya continues to grapple with a higher HIV prevalence rate compared to the national average. The state’s adult HIV prevalence stands at 0.43%, more than double India’s average of 0.20%. Lanong stressed that Meghalaya’s rate is significantly above both national and regional levels, underscoring the urgency for stronger interventions.

“Meghalaya’s HIV prevalence is about twice the national average. Nationally, we rank sixth in HIV prevalence, and in the North East, we rank fourth,” he said.

Lanong was speaking to the media on the sidelines of a programme in Shillong, where the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society launched an intensified IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) campaign to mark International Youth Day. The initiative aims to raise awareness, encourage voluntary testing, and promote access to treatment across the state. Commissioner & Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Joram Beda, attended the event as chief guest.

As part of the programme, an awareness rally was held with active participation from school students, symbolizing a united community effort to curb HIV transmission through education and engagement.

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