India Outpaces Global Decline In HIV Burden, Says Nadda

India has made substantial progress in controlling HIV, recording sharp falls in new infections and AIDS-related deaths — a pace better than global trends, Union Health Minister JP Nadda said while launching the national observance of World AIDS Day.

He also reaffirmed India’s resolve to eliminate AIDS as a public health concern and called the day an important opportunity to review progress, learn from experience, and strengthen future strategies.

Nadda credited the National AIDS and STD Control Programme for driving sustained improvement, stressing that the government remains committed to a rights-oriented, inclusive and stigma-free HIV ecosystem. He added that NACP-V has continued to widen access to prevention tools, diagnostics and treatment, reflecting steady progress across major programme pillars.

Between 2010 and 2024, India recorded a 48.7% drop in new HIV infections, an 81.4% decline in AIDS-related deaths, and a 74.6% fall in mother-to-child transmission. Testing services have expanded from 4.13 crore tests in 2020-21 to 6.62 crore in 2024-25, while people receiving ART treatment rose from 14.94 lakh to 18.60 lakh. Viral load testing also grew markedly — from 8.90 lakh to 15.98 lakh tests, the minister noted.

He pointed out that India’s rate of reduction outpaces global performance — 35% fall in new HIV infections vs the global 32%, and 69% reduction in deaths compared to the global 37%. Currently, 85% of people with HIV know their status, treatment coverage has reached 88%, and 97% show viral load suppression, indicating strong treatment outcomes.

Lauding the efforts of Indian pharma industry, Nadda asserted that India leads the fight against AIDS globally, upholding responsibility towards all humanity. He added that India not only protects its own but also supports the world in AIDS control by supplying affordable and quality medicines across the globe.

He said the nation is well-positioned to meet the 95-95-95 global targets by 2030, though gaps remain — especially in improving awareness and ensuring adherence among patients co-infected with tuberculosis. Better counselling, monitoring and community-based support will be key to sustaining gains, he said.

Reflecting on co-infections, the minister underlined that a significant number of TB patients are also living with HIV, and stressed that poor adherence, such as not taking ART tablets regularly or failing to visit ART centres, remains a challenge that requires intensified counselling, follow-up and community support.

He highlighted the landmark HIV/AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2014, implemented in 2017, which provides a legally protected, discrimination-free environment and strengthens the rights and dignity of people living with HIV.

As part of the observance, the Minister also launched a national multimedia campaign series aligned to three themes - youth awareness, elimination of vertical transmission of HIV and syphilis, and ending stigma and discrimination.

He released key programme documents including the 7th Edition of Sankalak, India HIV Estimates 2025, the Research Compendium and an IT-enabled virtual platform 'Breakfree', offering confidential risk assessment, testing linkage and youth-friendly information on prevention, treatment and care services.

Nadda also felicitated three eminent senior technical experts for their distinguished service and longstanding contributions to the National AIDS Control Programme. In addition, he also honoured two persons living with HIV who shared their personal journeys, showcasing the significant progress they have made in their fight against the disease.

Speaking on the occasion, Punya Salila Srivastava, Union Health Secretary highlighted that India’s HIV response “began as a modest initiative which has grown into one of the nation’s most comprehensive and impactful public health programs, an enduring testament to our collective commitment and determination”. She underlined that India’s fight against AIDS is also important for other national health initiatives including the ongoing Intensified TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.

Dr. Sunita Sharma, Director General of Health Services, V Hekali Zhimomi, Additional Secretary, Union Health Ministry, and the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), alongside representatives from development agencies, community organisations, youth networks and frontline programme teams also graced the occasion.