World AIDS Day 2025 carrying the theme “Overcoming Disruptions and Transforming the AIDS Response” was observed today the 5 th December, 2025 at a programme held at Khliehriat West Community Hall, Khliehriat.
Organized by the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS) through the office of the District AIDS Control Officer (West & East Jaintia Hills), District Integrated Strategy for HIV/AIDS (DISHA), Khliehriat Cluster, the programme was attended by Additional Superintendent of Police, East Jaintia Hills District, Shri S. Paslein, MPS, Assistant Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District, Smti. E. A. Sangma, MCS, Sub-Inspector (SI) of
Police, East Jaintia Hills District, Shri S. Buam, District TB Officer cum District AIDS Control Officer, East & West Jaintia Hills, Dr P. Lamare, Principal of Dkhiah East Secondary School, Dkhiah, Dr B. Nongtdu, Cluster Programme Manager, District Integrated Strategy for HIV/AIDS, (DISHA) Jaintia Cluster, Shri Sandy Tariang, Programme Manager, MCSWA, Smti. Rinibeth Patlong, other health officials, ASHAs, community members and others.
In her address during the programme, Assistant Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District, Smti. E. A. Sangma, MCS underscored the critical need to move beyond mere treatment and towards a holistic, community-centred approach to HIV prevention and support. She also emphasized that communities and institutions world-wide are increasingly recognising that dignity, equal opportunity and comprehensive care must extended to every individual especially those living with HIV even as she noted that progress today is not limited to medical treatment alone but also includes nutritional support, mental health
resources, long-term care and inclusive policy frameworks.
Further, Smti. Sangma stressed on the importance of changing the attitude and eliminating stigma associated with sexuality and HIV and also underlined the importance of community involvement, youth participation in combating against HIV/AIDS disease.
Principal of Dkhiah East Secondary School, Dkhiah, Dr B. Nongtdu, in his speech
during the programme expressed his gratitude to the organizing team for the opportunity to
address the gathering and conveyed a heartfelt message underscoring human dignity, rational
responsibility and mutual support. He reminded the gathering that every individual is born
with inherent dignity and that it is a collective responsibility of the society to uphold this
dignity by extending kindness, empathy and assistance to one another.
While speaking on the disruption caused by HIV AIDS, Dr Nongtdu stressed that this
is not a time for judgement but a call to be vigilant, compassionate and responsible. He
advised the gathering to understand that people are often affected by the virus due to complex
circumstances and therefore they must be treated with respect, care and sensitivity even as he
further appealed the gathering to play an active role in spreading awareness within families,
villages and communities and to encourage others to come forward and get themselves
tested in respect to their status of HIV/AIDS.
Earlier, as part of the programme, an extempore speech on the topic of HIV and AIDS was organized in which the first prize was won by Miss Jimyam Rasong, followed by Smti. Niwanshia Lamurong and Smti. Geta Lyngdoh in the second and third prizes respectively.
During the programme, as a powerful symbolic act of remembrance, express support and inspire hope in the global fight against HIV/AIDS, all attendees lit candles and stood in solemn silence as a tribute to those affected and as a reaffirmation of the collective commitment to end the epidemic.
Among others who spoke during the programme include, District TB Officer cum District AIDS Control Officer, East & West Jaintia, Dr P. Lamare and Panel Lawyer, District Legal Services Authority(DLSA), East Jaintia Hills District, Shri P. N Swer. (DPRO, Khliehriat)
