Guwahati, June 18 -- Meghalaya has seen a dramatic rise in HIV/AIDS cases, surging by over 221% in the past 19 years, prompting urgent calls for action from Health and Family Welfare Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh.

On Tuesday, she addressed the media and appealed to both communities and political leaders to confront the health crisis head-on, without shame or discrimination.

Lyngdoh emphasized that while Meghalaya's increase is alarming, neighboring Tripura recorded an even steeper rise of more than 330%.

She cautioned against using these figures to stigmatize the state and instead urged a shift in focus toward collaborative and compassionate solutions.

Calling for deeper grassroots involvement, the minister asked legislators, MDCs, and lo...