SHILLONG : Meghalaya is facing an escalating HIV crisis, with health authorities confirming more than 10,000 infections statewide – including 500 children. East Jaintia Hills continues to record the highest concentration of cases, reinforcing concerns about persistent transmission in the region.

Officials say most of the infected children come from economically weaker sections, underscoring the intersection of poverty and public health vulnerability. “More than 10,000 people have tested positive, and it’s worrying that 500 of them are children,” a senior official said.

According to the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS), unprotected heterosexual intercourse remains the primary mode of transmission. The agency also notes that fear and stigma continue to deter many from getting tested, delaying diagnosis and treatment. This reluctance, MACS warns, is a key obstacle in curbing further spread.

With World AIDS Day approaching on December 1, MACS project director Dr. K.L. Iawbor called for a united response. “This virus is very dangerous, and it is the responsibility of each and every one of us to stop its transmission so we can make our state and country HIV-free by 2030,” he said.

In recent screening drives, MACS tested 6,882 individuals, of whom 24 were confirmed HIV-positive. Officials said 87 per cent of new detections emerged from targeted outreach among high-risk groups and the general population – an indication of the effectiveness of community-focused interventions.

To mark World AIDS Day, MACS will organise a bikers’ rally and other awareness events on December 1. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, cabinet ministers, MLAs from East Khasi Hills, nursing and paramedical students, and people living with HIV are expected to participate. The initiative aims to amplify awareness, encourage early testing, and reinforce shared responsibility in combating the disease.