India’s AIDS deaths down 81% since 2010; new HIV infections fall 49%, shows new national report

New HIV report shows India is close to global 95-95-95 targets. Here’s what’s working—and what still needs urgent attention. (Image: Pinterest)

India continues to make remarkable progress in the battle against the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and new country-level data show that, over the last 15 years, India has experienced steep declines in new HIV infections and HIV-related mortality. The India HIV Estimates 2024 report states that, as of December 1 of this year, there has been an 81% decline in HIV-related mortality and a 49% drop in new HIV infections since 2010. This data is a direct reflection of the increasing improvement in the diagnosis and prevention of the HIV epidemic over the past several years.

Community engagement has become the cornerstone of the rapid scale up in the access to life-saving ART therapeutic treatment in India over the last several years. The report released in December of 2023 on the World HIV/AIDS Day is a joint product, as part of a global good partnership, between the National AIDS Control Organisation of India, The Institute of Clinical Research and National Institute of Epidemiology of India, and the Joint United Nations Programme on AIDS (UNAIDS).

A key driver behind the fall in deaths is the expansion of free ART across the country. Today, more than 18 lakh people living with HIV (PLHIV) are on treatment. However, only 68% achieved viral suppression, slightly below the ambition of the global “95-95-95” goals:

• 95% of people with HIV knowing their status
• 95% of those diagnosed being on treatment
• 95% of those on treatment achieving viral suppression

India currently stands at 81-83-68, showing strong progress in diagnosis and enrolment, but highlighting a need to strengthen adherence, follow-up, and sustained access to medication.

States Show Uneven Trends

Although the national data is very encouraging, there is a wide variation of the data at a regional or state level in India.

Among the other major states of India, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu, along with the other Northeastern states where the HIV prevalence is relatively higher, as a result of Harm Reduction and other HIV prevention strategies, there has been a marked improvement in HIV prevalence.

On the positive side, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Manipur have all shown early signs of stabilising the epidemic, thanks to community-based harm-reduction programs and better access to testing.

The report further notes a reduction in new infections among children, aided by improved antenatal screening and the nationwide rollout of early infant diagnosis. However, experts stress that preventing mother-to-child transmission needs even stronger last-mile delivery, especially in rural and tribal regions where access to both antenatal care and ART can be inconsistent.

Focus on Prevention Among Youth

One area of concern remains the slow decline in infections among young adults, particularly those aged 15–24. With changing sexual behaviour patterns, early initiation into sexual activity, and gaps in awareness, public health officials say India needs renewed investments in comprehensive sex education, condom access, and youth-focused programs.

Health authorities emphasise that India’s progress is undeniable—but incomplete. The country is close to achieving two out of the three 95-95-95 goals, but bridging the viral suppression gap will be critical to prevent drug resistance and future spikes in transmission.

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Experts say the next phase of the HIV response must prioritise:

• Strengthening community-led testing and counselling
• Ensuring uninterrupted ART availability
• Scaling up PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), which remains underused in India
• Tackling stigma and discrimination that still prevent people from seeking timely help