48.7% reduction in HIV infections in 15 years, and a significant decline in AIDS-related deaths; what do the statistics say?

News Topical, Digital Desk : India has recorded a 48.7 percent reduction in HIV infections and 81.4 percent reduction in AIDS-related deaths between 2010 and 2024, according to government data.

These data also showed that mother-to-child HIV transmission has declined by 74.6 percent. According to the India HIV Projections 2025 report, the HIV epidemic in India remains low at the national level, and new infections and AIDS-related deaths are declining faster than the global average.

Increase in infections due to careless sexual behavior

Despite this, some states are seeing an increase in infections, possibly due to vaccine-induced drug use and reckless sexual behavior. The report said India is on track to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.3 of eliminating HIV-AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

As of 2024, India has approximately 25.61 lakh people living with HIV. Maharashtra has the highest number of HIV cases at 3.99 lakh. Andhra Pradesh, with 3.10 lakh, and Karnataka, with 2.91 lakh, are the most affected. Of the total infected, 13.97 lakh are men and 11.64 lakh are women.

One to two lakh HIV cases registered in these states

Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Bihar, Gujarat, and Punjab have reported between 100,000 and 200,000 HIV cases. These nine states account for 74 percent of the country's total HIV cases. On the occasion of World AIDS Day, Jane R. Ralte, project director of the Mizoram State AIDS Control Society, said that 33,641 people have been infected with HIV in the state so far.

Decline in new HIV infections in India: Nadda

India has witnessed a significant decline in new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths, which is higher than the global average, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda said on Monday. Nadda made the remarks while inaugurating the national celebrations of World AIDS Day at Vigyan Bhawan in Delhi.

He reiterated India's commitment to accelerate progress towards eliminating AIDS as a public health threat. He said the day is an important opportunity to reaffirm India's commitment, reflect on the lessons of the past, and adopt effective strategies for the present and future.

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