Shillong, Dec 20: In response to the intensifying HIV epidemic in Meghalaya, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday announced a five-year “mission-mode” programme with a total outlay of ₹25 crore to curb the alarming rise in HIV/AIDS cases in the state.

The proposal was approved by the state Cabinet during its last meeting of the year.

Addressing reporters after the Cabinet meeting, Sangma said the government felt the need for a focused and time-bound intervention due to the rapid increase in HIV infections.

“The way we have formulated the DREAM project, we realise that with the alarming rates and the increase of HIV/AIDS in our state, we need to come up with a mission-mode programme for reducing the alarming growth of HIV/AIDS in our society,” the Chief Minister said.

He explained that the Cabinet has approved a five-year plan with an estimated budget of ₹25 crore, amounting to about ₹5 crore per year.

“This amount will be utilised for infrastructure development, awareness and outreach campaigns, and various activities to be conducted under this mission programme,” Sangma added.

Highlighting the seriousness of the situation, the Chief Minister said the rising growth rate of HIV infections was a major cause for concern.

“The growth rate was the aspect we felt was quite alarming,” he said.

Sangma revealed that Meghalaya’s HIV prevalence is significantly higher than the national average. According to official data, the state’s adult HIV prevalence stands at 0.43 per cent, more than double the national average of 0.21 per cent.

He further informed that as of 2024, around 9,589 people are living with HIV in Meghalaya, while new infections remain high at approximately 982 cases annually.

The Chief Minister said the mission-mode programme aims to strengthen prevention, awareness, and treatment efforts, with a focus on reversing the current trend and reducing new infections over the next five years.