Will M’laya make HIV tests mandatory before marriage amid soaring cases?

Correspondent

Shillong: Amid a rapidly worsening HIV/AIDS crisis, the Meghalaya government is considering a controversial proposal to make HIV tests mandatory before marriage registration. Health Minister Dr. M Ampareen Lyngdoh on Wednesday hinted at the move, stating that the government will consult legal experts and relevant departments before taking a final decision.

The idea, inspired by similar legislation in Goa, has found significant support among senior officials and MLAs. “The state of Goa has made HIV/AIDS testing compulsory before marriage. Why shouldn’t Meghalaya? We have our own set of laws which will benefit the community at large. A group of MLAs have come forward to tell us that we have no way out. So, we are at a stage where we will engage with legal experts and figure this out,” Lyngdoh said.

East Khasi Hills alone has reported over 3,432 confirmed HIV-positive cases, double the figures recorded in previous years. Shockingly, only 1,581 patients are currently undergoing treatment, while 681 have been lost to follow-up. “This is not a good trend. It indicates a serious pandemic that can engulf our communities. In recent years, 159 deaths occurred due to loss of ART treatment,” the Health Minister warned.

Lyngdoh made these remarks during a high-level review meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong and attended by eight MLAs from East Khasi Hills. Though not all MLAs were present, the minister termed it a “good start.”

The minister stated that the government will soon place a policy proposal before the Cabinet to strengthen screening and treatment protocols. “As of today, not much screening is going on. We will review what steps need to be taken to check if injecting drug use is now a serious concern, as HIV in Meghalaya is predominantly sexually transmitted,” she said.

Highlighting the importance of public awareness, Lyngdoh stressed, “HIV/AIDS is not fatal; it can be treated like cancer or TB. The treatment protocol is in place. People just need to come forward for testing. We fear that many are still not getting tested despite the rising numbers.”

The meeting concluded with a resolution to tackle the HIV crisis in “mission mode.” However, Lyngdoh clarified that the government will not disclose HIV hotspots to avoid stigmatisation of affected communities.

While East Khasi Hills is the worst affected, the minister acknowledged that Jaintia Hills and other districts are also witnessing an upward trend. “In Khasi Hills alone, the numbers have doubled to 3,432 cases, with an alarming annual rise. We have to address this problem head-on,” she said.

The state plans to conduct a series of meetings across all districts, including West Garo Hills, under the leadership of the Speaker of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly. The government will also seek guidance from the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society and senior health officials to chalk out the way forward.

Meghalaya now ranks sixth in HIV prevalence in India, behind Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana. “The Northeast scenario is alarming. Each state has different indicators of spread, but Meghalaya is now mentally prepared to take strong action,” Lyngdoh said.

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