Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu raised a loud warning on Friday about the growing number of HIV cases in the state, urging quick and smart steps to stop the spread, clear up myths, and end the shame that keeps people quiet. In a heartfelt post on X, he called for stronger education, prevention, and support systems to save lives and build a caring, informed community where no one feels left out.

Khandu led the third meeting of the State Council on AIDS with the Arunachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society (APSACS), joined by cabinet members, top officials, NGOs, and local groups. The talks focused on the rising HIV cases and the need to tie HIV prevention with efforts to curb drug use, as the two issues fuel each other in a dangerous cycle. The state has recorded 2,575 total HIV-positive cases as of March 31 this year, with numbers climbing steadily, especially in border areas where healthcare is scarce and hard to reach.

Hotspots show a troubling pattern: districts like Lohit, Changlang, and East Siang lead the case count, driven largely by shared needles from drug use. Khandu later chaired the second meeting of the Arunachal Pradesh Psychoactive Substances Control Authority (APPSCA), zeroing in on the state's drug problem. "Users aren’t criminals—they’re people who need help, not punishment," he posted on X, shifting the focus to cracking down on dealers and smugglers who flood the state with drugs. The group pushed for better rehab centers, counseling services, tougher action on drug supply chains, and community efforts to create a drug-free Arunachal.

Also Read: CM Pema Khandu Honors Gandhi’s Legacy on Jayanti in Arunachal Pradesh

Health Minister Biyuram Wahge shared stark data: 66.55% of HIV cases come from dirty needles, while 30.55% are from unsafe sex, showing why fighting drug abuse is critical to stopping HIV. "We need to tackle drugs to beat the virus," Wahge said online, promising to boost the Nasha Mukht Bharat Abhiyan—a national anti-drug campaign—with school talks, village outreach, and free testing vans hitting remote areas.

The meetings ended with clear promises: ramp up awareness in schools and markets, train local health workers to spot early signs, and bring together police, community leaders, and others for a united push. Khandu stressed kindness over blame, noting that fear stops people from getting tested or treated, letting the problem grow. With Arunachal’s young population—over half under 30—at high risk, and border trade adding challenges, the state faces a tough road.

Still, Khandu’s plan leans on practical moves: more testing sites, mobile health units, and tech like app alerts to reach far-off villages. Early gains show promise, with testing spots up 40% this year, catching cases before they spread. As Durga Puja’s glow fades, Arunachal lights a new battle—one test, one treatment, one saved life at a time. With the chief minister’s drive and local support, the state aims to turn the tide against HIV and drugs, proving action can outrun even the toughest challenges.

Also Read: Bhupen Hazarika’s Legacy Unites Northeast, Says Arunachal CM