Red Fest – Northeast Multi-Media: a campaign to create awareness and sensitise the community on AIDS

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaFebruary 29, 2024

The HIV prevalence in the state has taken an alarming turn as the adult prevalence rate of the state is higher than the national average.

This was informed by Project Director of Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS) Dr B. De Cruz at the Red Fest – Northeast Multi-Media organised by the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) in collaboration with Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS) at the Lariti Performing Centre in Mawkasiang on Wednesday.

“As of now, the HIV scenario in the state of Meghalaya as well as in the North Eastern Region is very alarming. The adult prevalence rate of the state of Meghalaya is 0.42 per cent which is higher than the national average which is 0.21 per cent. While many other states is India and the Union Territories is on the declining trend, we are showing an increasing trend,” she said.

She added that the level of awareness of HIV/AIDS is also less, stating that it is 17 per cent in males and 16 per cent in females, in addition to the rising trend, the level of discrimination for the people living with HIV (PLHIV) is very high.

De Cruz said that to cope with the challenges, MACS is committed to intensify its awareness and sensitization campaigns across the state be it in the village, the educational institutions and the work place.

Commissioner and Secretary Health Department Dr Joram Beda said that the government is working together with the communities to strengthen health system so that the poor can have access to better health care.

“But the reality is that a significant number of our people lack access to essential health services including vaccination, treatment of HIV, hepatitis and TB, family planning services,” he said.

He observed that as an HIV patient needs support for his depression even as he undergoes ART, a sex worker needs cancer screening in the same way they undergo STI screenings.

Meanwhile, Deputy Director (IEC & MS)  Bhawna Rao informed that as per the annual NACO report, Meghalaya has shown an increase by 150 per cent.

“This rising trend of injecting drug abusers, casual sex among youth especially in the North Eastern states have made them more vulnerable to HIV than ever before,” Rao said.

The Red Fest 2024 is the 5^th North East Multi Media Campaign is organised with the objective to create awareness, educate and support for the issues of HIV/AIDS in North Eastern Region targeting youth and vulnerable population where it aims to recognise and promote local music talents, nurturing and empowering them by giving a platform to showcase their talents by engaging them in spreading the positive message.