Archive · 1 Dec 2025
India and Nepal See Major HIV Decline
Both India and Nepal have made big progress in fighting HIV.
From 2010 to 2024, new HIV infections went down by almost half in India and by 76% in Nepal.
Deaths from AIDS dropped by 81% in India.
More people are getting tested for HIV, and more are getting treatment.
The governments are celebrating this progress on 'World AIDS Day' with events and new campaigns to raise awareness and fight stigma.
This shows India's and Nepal's strong commitment to ending AIDS.
However, Assam has seen a sharp increase in HIV infections, with 7,274 new cases in 2023-24, driven primarily by injecting drug use.
This highlights the need for targeted interventions to address the rising trend, particularly among drug users.
India achieved a 48.7% decline in annual new HIV infections between 2010 and 2024.
Nepal saw a 76% decrease in new HIV infections during the same period.
AIDS-related deaths in India reduced by 81.4%, and mother-to-child HIV transmission declined by 74.6%.
HIV testing in India increased from 4.13 crore (2020-21) to 6.62 crore (2024-25).
Assam reported a sharp increase in HIV infections, with 7,274 new cases in 2023-24, driven primarily by injecting drug use.
- Who
- India, Nepal, Assam, Health Ministries, National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), National Centre for AIDS and STD Control (NCASC), Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, Lok Raj Pandey, World Health Organisation (WHO), people living with HIV (PLHIV), frontline health workers, AIDS Prevention Society, Dr SI Ahmed
- What
- Significant decline in HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths in India and Nepal, increase in HIV testing and treatment, national-level observance of 'World AIDS Day', sharp increase in HIV infections in Assam driven by injecting drug use
- When
- Between 2010 and 2024, event on Monday (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- India, Nepal, Assam, event at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi
- Why
- To observe 'World AIDS Day', showcase progress in HIV prevention and treatment, launch new campaign video series, reaffirm commitment to ending AIDS as a public health threat, address the rising trend of HIV infections in Assam
National Progress
Regional Concerns
HIV Infections Decline
National Progress
India and Nepal have seen significant declines in new HIV infections, with India reporting a 48.7% decrease and Nepal a 76% decrease between 2010 and 2024.
Regional Concerns
Assam has reported a sharp increase in HIV infections, with 7,274 new cases in 2023-24, driven primarily by injecting drug use.
AIDS-Related Deaths
National Progress
India has reduced AIDS-related deaths by 81.4% and mother-to-child HIV transmission by 74.6%.
Regional Concerns
The increase in HIV cases in Assam highlights the need for targeted interventions to address the rising trend, particularly among drug users.
HIV Testing and Treatment
National Progress
HIV testing in India increased from 4.13 crore (2020-21) to 6.62 crore (2024-25), and access to antiretroviral treatment rose from 14.94 lakh to 18.60 lakh PLHIV.
Regional Concerns
Assam's HIV prevalence is lower than the national average, but the actual number of infections could be higher due to underreporting and the rise in drug use.
- Period
- 2010-2024
- New HIV Infections Decline (India)
- 48.7%
- New HIV Infections Decline (Nepal)
- 76%
- AIDS-Related Deaths Reduction (India)
- 81.4%
- Mother-to-Child Transmission Decline (India)
- 74.6%
- HIV Testing Increase (India)
- From 4.13 crore (2020-21) to 6.62 crore (2024-25)
- Antiretroviral Treatment Increase (India)
- From 14.94 lakh to 18.60 lakh PLHIV
- Viral Load Testing Increase (India)
- From 8.90 lakh to 15.98 lakh
- Event Location (India)
- Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi
- Event Organizer (India)
- National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO)
- Campaign Pillars (India)
- Youth and Awareness, Elimination of Vertical Transmission, Stigma and Discrimination
- New HIV Infections (Nepal 2024)
- 614
- New HIV Infections (Nepal 2010)
- 2,557
- New HIV Infections in Children (Nepal 2024)
- 37
- New HIV Infections in Children (Nepal 2010)
- 260
- Adults Living with HIV (Nepal)
- 33,279
- Women Living with HIV (Nepal)
- 14,000
- Heterosexual Transmission (Nepal)
- 66%
- People Receiving ARV Therapy (Nepal)
- 26,372
- ART Centres (Nepal)
- 96
- First HIV Detection (Nepal)
- 1988
- HIV Prevalence (Assam)
- 0.08%
- New HIV Cases (Assam 2023-24)
- 7,274
- Injecting Drug Use (Assam)
- 65% of new infections
- Highest HIV Prevalence States
- Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur
Sources
India Records A Significant Decline In HIV: 49% Fewer Infections With 81% Drop In Mortality Rates
NACO to lead World AIDS Day observance in Delhi, as India accelerates drive to end AIDS
New HIV infections in Nepal decline rapidly over last 15 years
AP Emerges As Leader In HIV Control: Satya
MyVoice: Views of our readers 1st December 2025
World AIDS Day 2025: Theme, History, And HIV Prevention Tips
Living with HIV, she travels one-and-a-half hours to get her drugs, is peer counsellor: ‘I weighed 38 kg but am still alive’
Over 35,000 HIV cases reported in Assam, 7,274 new infections in 2023–24
World AIDS Day 2025: Early Warning Signs Of HIV Infection You Shouldn't Ignore
World AIDS Day: Nadda urges taking preventive measures, early testing
World AIDS Day 2025: From theme, history, significance to NACP phase 5 measures — all you need to know
World AIDS Day 2025: How India Is Advancing the HIV Fight And Where It Still Falls Short
CM Vijayan stresses collective efforts to check spread of HIV
World AIDS Day: Nadda highlights need for early testing, prevention
