New data released monday reveals a continuing, though uneven, decline in India’s HIV infection rate, with a 48.70% decrease in new cases between 2010 and 2024. While the nation has made important strides – exceeding the global reduction rate of 40% over the same period – a new report highlights stark regional disparities, notably in the northeastern states. Mizoram currently reports the highest rate of new infections, raising concerns about targeted prevention efforts and resource allocation [[1]].
Mizoram Reports Highest Rate of New HIV Cases; National Infections Down 48% Since 2010
A report released Monday, December 1, 2025, indicates that India is seeing progress in its fight against HIV, with a national incidence rate of 0.05 new HIV infections per 1,000 uninfected individuals in 2024. This data, detailed in the India HIV Estimation 2025 Technical Report, also reveals significant regional disparities in new infections. The report highlights Mizoram as having the highest estimated incidence rate of new HIV cases at 0.90, followed by Nagaland (0.42) and Tripura (0.28). Punjab, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya also reported incidence rates of 0.20 or higher.
Nationwide, there has been approximately a 48.70% decrease in new HIV cases between 2010 and 2024. However, Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura experienced increases of over 400% during the same period. Globally, new HIV infections decreased by 40% between 2010 and 2024. Understanding these regional differences is crucial for tailoring effective prevention and treatment strategies.
The report also estimates the national annual AIDS-related mortality rate at 2.32 deaths per 100,000 people. Manipur recorded the highest rate, followed by Mizoram and Nagaland. “Between 2010 and 2024, AIDS-related deaths decreased by 81.40%,” the report states. While nearly all states and union territories saw a decline in AIDS-related deaths between 2010 and 2024, Chandigarh, Punjab, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tripura reported an increase in deaths among people living with HIV (PLHIV) compared to 2010. Globally, AIDS-related deaths fell by 54% from 2010 to 2024.
Hekali Zhimomi, Additional Secretary and Director-General of the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), noted that the 2025 HIV estimates “once again demonstrate that the country’s HIV prevalence remains low.” She further stated, “From 2020 to 2024, the country witnessed a 19.4% decline in annual new HIV infections, a 30.6% decline in AIDS-related deaths, and a 63.7% decline in vertical transmission.” In comparison, global declines during the same period were 13.3%, 14.9%, and 16.7% respectively.
As of 2024, India is estimated to have approximately 2.561 million people living with HIV. The adult HIV prevalence is 0.20%, with a slightly higher rate among males (0.21%) compared to females (0.19%). The prevalence among young people aged 15-24 is 0.06%. HIV prevalence is estimated to be above 1% in both Mizoram and Nagaland. Manipur, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Punjab, Telangana, and Meghalaya have estimated adult prevalence rates exceeding 0.40%.
Maharashtra accounts for the largest number of people living with HIV at 399,000, followed by Andhra Pradesh (310,000) and Karnataka (291,000). Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Bihar, Gujarat, and Punjab are other states with an estimated 100,000 to 200,000 people living with HIV. These nine states collectively account for 74% of India’s total HIV burden, according to the report.
Published: 2025-12-01 18:46:00
Source: www.thehindu.com
