Shillong, October 27: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday said the State Government will spend ₹25 crore over the next five years to fight HIV/AIDS in Meghalaya, and more if needed. He called for every citizen to take part in the effort.
Sangma was speaking as chief guest at the State Red Ribbon Youth Festival 2026 at Soso Tham Auditorium. The Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS), under the Health & Family Welfare Department, organised the festival. It marked the formal close of the Intensified IEC Campaign 2026 and honoured districts, institutions and young people at the forefront
The Chief Minister said Meghalaya is among the States with the highest HIV/AIDS burden in the country, and that the numbers grow every year. Controlling it, he said, needs the participation of every citizen, not just MACS, the Health Department or the Government. He said the plan, the funds and effective antiretroviral medication are now in place, so the focus is on coordination. Under an all-of-Government approach, he said, district officials, Deputy Commissioners, schools, colleges and youth organisations must work together so that people get tested and receive continuous treatment. He pointed to measures such as home delivery of medicines and anonymous testing.
Sangma urged young people to spread a message of acceptance, including on social media. “It’s okay to test, and because of the medication, it’s okay if you are positive. There is treatment, and it is okay to be asking for the treatment and reaching for help,” he said. He said HIV should no longer carry stigma. He also urged young people to use protection and said it is always okay to say no under pressure.
The Chief Minister presented the Surakshit District Award to the South Garo Hills District Administration. The Deputy Commissioner and the District AIDS Control Officer received the award, given for the work of the district administration and health teams in making the district Surakshit. The Civil Hospital Jowai ART Centre, Ialong, was named the Best ART Centre in the State. The Mihmyntdu Community Social Welfare Association won the award for Best Targeted Intervention (TI). Winners of the Red Ribbon Marathon, who have qualified for the national event, and winners of the Red Ribbon Quiz, who have qualified for the regional round, were also felicitated.
In his welcome address, Health & Family Welfare Secretary Barnari Mawlong said the festival was a platform to help young people become informed, responsible and confident ambassadors of HIV awareness and prevention. He said the campaign began with district-level competitions across the State. The state-level winners of the Red Run marathon will represent Meghalaya at the National Red Run in Bihar next month, while the quiz winners will move on to the regional level.
Mawlong congratulated South Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Sumit Kumar, the District AIDS Control Officer and the district team on the award. He said stigma and discrimination remain major challenges and urged students to carry the message of awareness and compassion beyond the venue. Joint DHS and MACS Project Director Dr K.L. Iawbor gave an overview of Mobilization AIDS Suraksha. It covered the status of HIV/AIDS in Meghalaya, Government efforts and success stories.
The programme also included a personal account from a person living with HIV. The Chief Minister called it an inspiring story that would help young people make the right choices and resist peer pressure. The programme opened with a welcome song. MACS Additional Project Director Dr L.W. Myrthong delivered the vote of thanks.
