FurthermoreIndia has reported remarkable progress in reducing the HIV burden over the past decade, ahead of the national observance of World AIDS Day 2025.
Government data released on Sunday confirms that between 2010 and 2024, annual new HIV infections fell by 48.7 per cent, AIDS-related deaths dropped by 81.4 per cent, and mother-to-child transmission reduced by 74.6 per cent.
Officials attribute these achievements to a strengthened national response, sustained policy focus and the resilience of affected communities.
The government also highlighted substantial gains made under the ongoing phase of the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP).
According to the Health Ministry, India has expanded HIV testing, treatment and care services at an unprecedented scale.
HIV testing increased from 4.13 crore tests in 2020–21 to 6.62 crore in 2024–25. Access to antiretroviral therapy rose from 14.94 lakh to 18.60 lakh people living with HIV (PLHIV) during the same period.
Viral load testing—vital for monitoring treatment success—nearly doubled, rising from 8.90 lakh to 15.98 lakh tests.
Furthermore, these improvements surpass global averages, positioning India as a leader in evidence-based strategies and community-centred HIV prevention.
World AIDS Day Observance
Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda will preside over the national-level World AIDS Day event at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on Monday.
Senior officials, development partners, community advocates and young representatives will join the observance, reaffirming the government’s commitment to advancing HIV prevention, treatment, care and the elimination of stigma.
The event, organised by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), reflects a collaborative national effort to accelerate progress towards ending AIDS as a public health threat.
A youth-led flash performance will open the programme, emphasising awareness, responsible behaviour and the importance of engaging young people in the national HIV response.
The inauguration of a thematic exhibition will follow, showcasing digital innovations, programme milestones and community-led models implemented under the National AIDS and STD Control Programme.
Audio-visual presentations and experience-sharing sessions by beneficiaries will highlight India’s achievements under NACP-V, alongside future priorities aimed at sustaining progress.
A key highlight of the observance will be the launch of a new campaign video series under NACO’s national multimedia initiative.
The series will focus on three central themes: youth and awareness, elimination of vertical (mother-to-child) transmission, and tackling stigma and discrimination.
The campaign aims to further strengthen public understanding and drive behavioural change across communities.
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