Meghalaya Mulls Mandatory Pre-Marital HIV/AIDS Testing Amid Rising Cases
MEGHALAYA STATE, INDIA, JUL 24 – Meghalaya ranks sixth nationally in HIV/AIDS prevalence with cases doubling in East Khasi Hills, prompting consideration of mandatory premarital HIV testing to improve early diagnosis and treatment.
- The Meghalaya government on July 24 resolved to draft a mission-mode HIV/AIDS policy in Shillong.
- Last week, East Khasi Hills reported 3,432 HIV-positive cases, with only 1,581 on ART and 681 lost to follow-up, exposing treatment gaps.
- Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong chaired a meeting attended by eight MLAs, and the government will hold region-wise consultations in Garo Hills and Jaintia Hills.
- To avoid stigmatisation, the government will not disclose HIV hotspots, while UNAIDS and WHO cautioned against mandatory testing.
- A formal cabinet note will be drafted to streamline testing, data collection and treatment protocols, marking the strongest response since MACS began.
13 Articles
13 Articles

Meghalaya mulling law to make HIV testing mandatory before marriage: Health minister
Shillong, Jul 25 (PTI) The Meghalaya government is thinking about making a new law to make HIV/AIDS testing mandatory before marriage in view of the rising number of cases in the state, Health minister Ampareen Lyngdoh said on Friday. Meghalaya ranks sixth nationally in terms of HIV/AIDS prevalence, with the northeastern region facing a high […]
Meghalaya Mulls Mandatory Pre-Marital HIV/AIDS Testing Amid Rising Cases
The Meghalaya government is considering mandatory HIV/AIDS testing before marriage in response to escalating cases, ranking sixth nationally in prevalence. Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh revealed urgent plans to draft a comprehensive policy, focusing on improving testing and treatment systems across the state while developing region-specific strategies.
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