India has made remarkable strides in combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic, showcasing significant reductions in both new infections and AIDS-related deaths. According to recent government data released ahead of World AIDS Day 2025, annual new HIV infections have declined by 48.7% between 2010 and 2024. Even more impressively, AIDS-related deaths have plummeted by 81.4% during the same period, marking one of the steepest declines globally. Mother-to-child HIV transmission has also seen a substantial decrease, falling by 74.6%.
The sustained efforts under the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) have been instrumental in achieving these results. The NACP has focused on expanding testing, ensuring access to treatment, and improving monitoring. HIV testing has seen a sharp increase, rising from 4.13 crore in 2020-21 to 6.62 crore in 2024-25. Access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) has also improved, with the number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) receiving treatment increasing from 14.94 lakh to 18.60 lakh. Furthermore, viral load testing nearly doubled, from 8.90 lakh to 15.98 lakh during this period.
Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda highlighted these achievements at the national World AIDS Day event at Vigyan Bhawan. He emphasized that India is outperforming global averages in reducing new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths. Nadda also noted that 85% of people with HIV know their status, 88% are on treatment, and 97% have viral suppression, putting India on track to meet the 95-95-95 targets by 2030. These targets, set by UNAIDS, aim to diagnose 95% of all HIV-positive individuals, provide ART for 95% of those diagnosed, and achieve viral suppression for 95% of those treated.
Despite the overall success, some areas of concern remain. The latest HIV burden estimates reveal a worrying trend in the Northeast, with Mizoram and Nagaland reporting HIV prevalence rates above 1%, significantly higher than the national average. Increases in HIV infections have also been noted in states such as Meghalaya and Punjab, often linked to drug use and changing sexual behaviors among young adults. The Health Minister cautioned that HIV-TB co-infection and poor adherence to ART continue to be significant challenges that require intensified counseling and community support.
The Indian government is reaffirming its commitment to HIV prevention, treatment, care and eliminating the stigma associated with the disease. A national-level observance of World AIDS Day was led by Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda at Vigyan Bhawan, with senior officials present. The event, organized by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), included government leaders, development partners, youth representatives, community advocates, and frontline health workers. A youth-led flash performance was also held to emphasize the importance of awareness and responsible behavior. Additionally, a thematic exhibition showcased digital innovations, program achievements, and community-led models under NACP.
