Over 2300 people infected with HIV: Meghalaya Health Minister

Shillong, Dec 1: Over 2300 people are infected with HIV that causes AIDS in Meghalaya and 460 new cases annually were detected, state Health Minister A L Hek said on Monday.

The state, whose population is a little less than three million people, has a prevalence of about 0.13 per cent among adults (15-49 years), Hek said. The HIV prevalence is estimated at 2381 infections which included adults as well as children and an estimation of 460 new cases of HIV infections in the age group of 15 years and above annually, Hek who addressed the World Aids Day celebration here said.

Currently as per the report on October, 2014, the number of PLHIV registered at ART Centre Plus is 1541 and cumulative number alive and on the ART is 588, he said.

Calling on a collective responsibility to contain the deadly disease which is a global concern, the Health Minister said his government is committed to getting to zero as the theme of celebration is getting to zero.

It is of paramount importance that new HIV infections be prevented and will require a decisive action guided by a ground breaking vision of Zero new HIV Infection, Zero discrimination, Zero AIDS related deaths.

We believe that by taking the right decision we can achieve universal access to HIV prevention treatment, care and support, he said. Meghalaya health secretary K W Marbaniang and Meghalaya AIDS Control Society project director W D Phira were also present.

Earlier, Hek flagged off the Zindagi Zindabad Campaign to spread awareness on HIV/AIDS throughout the state and lighted a candle to mark the celebration of the World AIDS Day.

A Rock Show by the winners of the Meghalaya Icon 5 'Dymbur' was also seen performing in the latter part of the day.

PTI