Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Nov 30: India has recorded significant progress in its fight against HIV over the past 14 years, reporting a 48.7% drop in new annual HIV infections, an 81.4% fall in AIDS-related deaths, and a 74.6% decline in mother-to-child transmission between 2010 and 2024, the government announced on Sunday ahead of World AIDS Day 2025.
According to the Health Ministry, the latest achievements reflect the country’s strengthened response under the ongoing phase of the National AIDS Control Programme. HIV testing expanded sharply from 4.13 crore tests in 2020–21 to 6.62 crore in 2024–25. Access to antiretroviral therapy also increased, rising from 14.94 lakh to 18.60 lakh people living with HIV, while viral load testing nearly doubled from 8.90 lakh to 15.98 lakh during the same period.
The ministry noted that these advancements surpass global averages and highlight India’s strong domestic investment, evidence-driven interventions, and deep community participation.
Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda will preside over the national-level observance of World AIDS Day at Vigyan Bhawan on Monday, accompanied by senior officials. The event aims to reaffirm the government’s commitment to expanding HIV prevention, treatment, care and eliminating stigma.
Organised by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), the programme will bring together policymakers, development partners, youth representatives, community leaders, frontline health workers and people living with HIV — signalling a unified, multisectoral approach to ending AIDS as a public health threat.
A youth-led flash performance will open the event, followed by the inauguration of a thematic exhibition featuring digital innovations, programme milestones and community-driven models under the National AIDS and STD Control Programme. Beneficiary stories and an audio-visual showcase will highlight achievements under NACP-V and outline future priorities.
A key attraction will be the launch of a new campaign video series under NACO’s national multimedia initiative, focusing on three central themes: Youth and Awareness, Elimination of Vertical Transmission, and Ending Stigma and Discrimination.