Meghalaya is considering mandatory pre-marital HIV/AIDS screening, following Goa’s example, as part of a broader plan to address the State’s rising HIV cases.

The Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS) sent out a worrying report that showed a big rise in positive cases in 2024, notably in East Khasi Hills, where only 1,581 of the 3,432 positive cases were getting anti-retroviral medication (ART).

A policy meeting chaired by the Deputy Chief Minister for formulating a comprehensive HIV/AIDS policy led to directions for drafting a Cabinet note.

The Health Department plans region-specific consultations to develop targeted strategies. The move aims to promote early detection, improve treatment coverage, and curb the virus’s spread, mainly caused by unprotected sex.

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