SHILLONG | Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday announced a five-year special mission to tackle the state’s HIV burden, with an initial allocation of ?25 crore. The state has recorded 9,244 people living with HIV, highlighting the need for stronger testing, treatment and awareness initiatives.

Addressing the State Red Ribbon Youth Festival 2026 in Shillong, Sangma called for coordinated action across government departments and greater public participation to contain the spread of HIV and address the stigma associated with the virus and drug abuse.

The chief minister said the responsibility of tackling the challenge could not rest solely with the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society or the health department. He stressed that the govern- ment, other departments and citizens must work together to strengthen pre- vention and healthcare efforts. “There is an urgent need for all of us to work together,” Sangma said, warn- ing that delays in addressing the issue could make the challenge more diffi- cult in the coming years.

The five-year mission will adopt a multi-sectoral approach, bringing the government machinery together to ex- pand HIV testing, improve access to treatment and strengthen awareness programmes. The initiative is aligned with the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, which seek to ensure that 95 per cent of people living with HIV know their status, 95 per cent of those diagnosed receive antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 95 per cent of those receiving treatment achieve viral suppression.

Emphasising the importance of early diagnosis and consistent treatment, Sangma said antiretroviral medicines could suppress the virus and help prevent its transmission. The mission will focus on encouraging people to undergo testing and ensuring that those diagnosed can access sustained treatment and supportive healthcare services. Stigma remains a major concern Sangma identified social stigma and discrimination as significant obstacles to controlling HIV, noting that fear of being judged often prevents people from seeking testing and treatment.

He called for greater efforts to cre- ate an environment in which people can access healthcare without fear of discrimination. Reducing stigma surrounding HIV and drug abuse, he said, was essential to encouraging people to seek help. The chief minister also urged young people to take an active role in pre- vention and awareness campaigns. He encouraged them to make informed decisions, resist peer pressure and remain confident in refusing unsafe situations.

Awards recognise HIV response initiatives The festival also recognised districts and organisations for their contributions to HIV-related services and community interventions. South Garo Hills received the Surakshit District Award, while Ialong Community Health Centre was named the Best Performing Antiretroviral Therapy Centre for its services to people living with HIV.

The Mihmyntdu Community Social Welfare Association in West Jaintia Hills received the Best Performing Targeted Intervention award. The State Red Ribbon Youth Festival aims to engage young people as peer educators and advocates in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Its out- reach initiatives seek to promote awareness and prevention activities in schools, colleges and villages. Sangma also felicitated winners of various competitions held as part of the festival, reinforcing the role of youth participation in the state’s broader HIV response.