Explaining the findings, Deputy Director of the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society, Ajoy M Lanong said, “This study was done in collaboration with Indian Institute of Public health, so the study was not specifically for the entire Meghalaya but we have choosen few districts where the more injecting drug users are there. That is the reason why it shown as young as 10 yrs kids are getting into Drugs, our main motive is to encourage them not to drugs any more, to lead a healthy life and to know the HIV status.”
A recent study has revealed that children in Meghalaya start using drugs as early as the age of 10, significantly younger than the average starting age of 22 reported in Manipur and Nagaland. The study, published in the April–June 2025 issue of the Indian Journal of Public Health, was carried out by researchers from the Indian Institute of Public Health, Shillong, in partnership with the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society. Researchers surveyed 128 individuals undergoing opioid substitution therapy across East Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills, and East Jaintia Hills districts, as well as 17 service providers.
Meghalaya continues to grapple with a higher HIV prevalence rate compared to the national average. The adult HIV prevalence in the state stands at 0.43%, more than double India’s average of 0.20%. Lanong stressed that Meghalaya’s rate is significantly above both the national and regional levels, underscoring the urgency for stronger interventions. “Meghalaya is like double of the National average. When we talk about HIV prevalence we are not 6 position in the country, in the North East we are not 4,” he said.
Lanong was speaking to the media on the sidelines of a programme in Shillong where the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society launched an intensified IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) campaign in observance of International Youth Day. The initiative aims to increase awareness, encourage voluntary testing, and promote access to treatment across the state. Commissioner & Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Joram Beda, IAS, attended the event as chief guest.
As part of the programme, an awareness rally was held with active participation from school students, symbolising a united community effort to curb HIV transmission through education and engagement.
