SHILLONG:
People Living with HIV (PLHIV) in Meghalaya have expressed concern over the alarming rise of Lost to Follow-Up (LFU) cases among them in the state.
“It is estimated that we have approximately 1500 LFU cases in Meghalaya,” activist Barry Leslie Kharmalki said.
Kharmalki said this was despite the tireless efforts of healthcare workers, community organisations and government initiatives.
He urged all LFU cases in Meghalaya to take that crucial step and begin their treatment.
According to him, the decision to seek care is an act of responsibility and love, not only for oneself but for those around them.
He said that it is a vital link in breaking the chain of HIV transmission within the community.
“The rise in LFU cases is a call to action for all of us. Let us stand together, support one another, and ensure that no one faces this battle alone. Together, we can overcome the challenges posed by LFU cases and continue our journey toward a healthier, more inclusive Meghalaya,” Kharmalki added.
Urging the LFU to come forward he said that health, life and the well-being of the community matters.
LFU is a term used in healthcare to describe individuals who have been diagnosed with a medical condition, in this case, HIV/AIDS, but who have discontinued their medical care and treatment.
These individuals, at some point, were linked with healthcare providers and started receiving treatment, but for various reasons, they have stopped engaging with the healthcare system.
In the context of HIV/AIDS, LFU PLHIV are those who were once connected with care but are no longer actively participating in their treatment or medical follow-up.
He said that it’s essential to recognise that being HIV-positive is not a matter of personal fault or accountability.
“HIV doesn’t discriminate based on age, gender, or background. It’s a virus that can affect anyone, regardless of their circumstances. Therefore, let us make it unequivocally clear that no one should feel blamed or stigmatised for becoming infected. Blaming or shaming will not solve the problem. Instead, our focus should be on what comes next: getting treatment and taking care of our loved ones,” he added.
Kharmalki also said that thanks to remarkable advancements in medical science, HIV is no longer the life-threatening disease it once was and today, it is a manageable infection.
According to him antiretroviral therapy has revolutionised the way one approaches HIV, allowing PLHIV to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.