In an effort to curb the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in East Jaintia Hills District and with the aim of strengthening collaboration and coordination amongst stakeholders in order to effectively address the issue, an Interdepartmental Meeting on HIV/AIDs was organized by the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society in collaboration with the District Administration, East Jaintia Hills District today the 13th May, 2025 at the Conference Hall of the office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District.
The meeting was attended by the Additional Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District,Smti. J.U Kharpuri, Assistant Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District, Smti. F. Wann, Deputy Director, Mainstreaming, Meghalaya AIDS Control Society, Shillong, Shri Ajoy M Lanong,line departmentofficials, traditional heads, religious leaders, NGOs and many others.
Additional Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District, Smti. J. U Kharpuriin her address during the meeting stressed on the importance of fostering collaboration and coordination amongst various stakeholdersand the significance of generating further awareness in the district in order to address this prevalent disease while also emphasizing on the importance of collaborative efforts of Block Development Officers, Traditional Heads and others in generating community awareness on the issue of HIV/AIDS.
Further, Smti. Kharpuri highlighted the gathering the needfor evolving strategicaction plansby concerned stakeholders with the aim of enhancing public participation in advocating for the elimination of the disease and underscored the significance of counselling to affected individuals.
During the meeting, Deputy Director, Mainstreaming Meghalaya AIDS Control Society, Shillong, Shri Ajoy M Lanongin his presentation highlighted on topics including routes of HIV/AIDs transmission, support from line departments in Awareness and Sensitizationprogrammes, Stigma Reduction, Access to Services,Policy Support, etc
Meanwhile, Programme Manager, Mihmyntdu Community Social Welfare Association (MSCWA), Khliehriat, Smti Rinibeth Patlong informed the gathering of the various initiatives undertaken MSCWA in HIV/AIDS elimination and called upon the active participation of traditional heads in the ensuing awareness camps to be organized in future. The meeting also featured an interactive session between officials, traditional heads and religious leaders.
