Shillong, Aug 12: Marking International Youth Day, the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society launched its Statewide Intensified IEC Campaign 3.0 on Wednesday at Lady Keane College, with Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla calling for a people-led push on awareness, testing, treatment and dignity.
Launching the two-month campaign, Shylla urged citizens to reject discrimination against people living with HIV and to encourage early testing and care.
“Ending HIV cannot be MACS’ responsibility alone,” the Minister said. “It requires the Health Department, other government departments, educational institutions, communities, civil society, healthcare workers, parents, teachers and young people to act together.”
He said the state government is committed to an HIV response that is accessible, inclusive, evidence-based and people-centred, and urged stakeholders to carry the campaign beyond its official period to build a sustained statewide movement.
With 51 per cent of Meghalaya’s population below 20 years, Shylla underlined the critical role of youth. He asked students and Red Ribbon Clubs across colleges to lead peer outreach and spread accurate information.
“HIV awareness messages must reach villages, schools, colleges, households, hospitals and communities,” he said, “so that no person is afraid to know their status, no one is denied dignity because of their status, and young people have the knowledge to protect their health.”
The Minister also announced that the Government of Meghalaya has approved a five-year plan to strengthen the state’s HIV/AIDS programme.
MACS Project Director Dr. K. L. Iawbor, field teams and partner organisations were felicitated for organising the event. Students from Lady Keane College and St. Edmund’s College presented skits and songs on awareness and inclusion.
IEC 3.0 will focus on intensified outreach across all districts, with emphasis on testing, treatment linkage, and eliminating stigma.
