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New Delhi — In a significant public health milestone, India has reported a 48.7% decline in annual new HIV infections and an 81.4% reduction in AIDS-related deaths between 2010 and 2024, outpacing global averages. The figures were released by the Union Health Ministry on Sunday, ahead of the national World AIDS Day observance at Vigyan Bhawan today.
The data underscores the impact of the country’s sustained aggressive intervention strategies under the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP), currently in its fifth phase. As the world marks World AIDS Day 2025 under the theme “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response,” India’s progress offers a roadmap for nations battling high disease burdens, though experts caution that the “last mile” to elimination remains the most challenging.
Surpassing Global Benchmarks
According to the latest government data, India’s reduction in HIV metrics significantly exceeds global trends. While the global reduction in new HIV infections hovers around 39% since 2010, India has achieved nearly a 50% drop. Similarly, the 81.4% decline in AIDS-related deaths is a testament to the widened access to life-saving Antiretroviral Therapy (ART).
“Between 2010 and 2024, India achieved a 48.7% decline in annual new HIV infections, 81.4% reduction in AIDS-related deaths, and 74.6% decline in mother-to-child HIV transmission,” the Health Ministry stated.
Key operational metrics reflect this scale-up:
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HIV Testing: Increased from 4.13 crore tests in 2020-21 to over 6.62 crore in 2024-25.
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ART Coverage: The number of People Living with HIV (PLHIV) on treatment rose from 14.94 lakh to 18.60 lakh.
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Viral Load Testing: Capacity nearly doubled, jumping from 8.90 lakh tests to 15.98 lakh in the same period.
Strategic Interventions and NACP-V
The ongoing Phase V of the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP-V), a fully funded Central Sector Scheme running until 2026, has been pivotal. The programme has shifted focus toward comprehensive, community-led “Sampoorna Suraksha Kendras” (Holistic Safety Centers) that integrate prevention, testing, and treatment.
Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, who is leading today’s observance, reaffirmed the government’s “unwavering commitment” to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. The ministry is launching a new multimedia campaign focused on three pillars: engaging youth, eliminating vertical (mother-to-child) transmission, and eradicating stigma.
Expert Perspectives: “Shaping, Not Just Participating”
While the government figures are promising, independent experts emphasize that the complexity of the epidemic requires continued vigilance. Dr. Ishwar Gilada, President Emeritus of the AIDS Society of India (ASI) and a Governing Council member of the International AIDS Society, noted the significance of India’s role.
“India has not just participated in the global AIDS response — it has shaped it,” Dr. Gilada said, referring to the country’s role in manufacturing affordable generic antiretroviral drugs that made treatment accessible worldwide.
However, Dr. Gilada also pointed to critical gaps, particularly in preventing vertical transmission. “We should completely eliminate vertical transmission of HIV by 2030,” he urged, noting that while a 74.6% decline is commendable, the technology exists to bring this number to zero. The “last mile” challenges include addressing the estimated 2.5+ million people currently living with HIV in India and ensuring that stigma does not drive vulnerable populations underground.
Global Context and Future Challenges
India’s success comes amidst a turbulent global landscape. A recent report by UNAIDS warned that global progress is under threat due to funding disruptions and rising inequalities. Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS, recently highlighted that “the funding crisis has exposed the fragility of the progress we fought so hard to achieve.”
In this context, India’s domestic funding model—where the NACP is largely government-funded rather than donor-dependent—provides a degree of resilience. However, reaching the United Nations’ “95-95-95” targets (95% of PLHIV knowing their status, 95% of those on treatment, and 95% virally suppressed) will require intensified focus on high-risk groups and digital innovations to track “lost-to-follow-up” patients.
As dignitaries and health workers gather in New Delhi today to release the India HIV Estimates 2025 and other technical reports, the message is clear: the tide has turned, but the war against the virus is not yet won.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making any health-related decisions or changes to your treatment plan. The information presented here is based on current research and expert opinions, which may evolve as new evidence emerges.
References
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Government Data: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. (2025). Press Release: World AIDS Day 2025 Observations & NACP-V Progress Report. New Delhi.
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Expert Source: Dr. Ishwar Gilada, President Emeritus, AIDS Society of India (ASI). Quotes regarding India’s role in global AIDS response and vertical transmission targets (November 2025).
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Global Context: UNAIDS. (2025). World AIDS Day Report: Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response. Geneva.
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Statistical Source: National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO). India HIV Estimates 2023-2025 Technical Reports.
2025 Global AIDS Update: “AIDS, Crisis and the Power to Transform” – Press Conference | UN
This video from the United Nations provides essential global context for the 2025 World AIDS Day theme, discussing the funding crises and strategic shifts required to end the epidemic, which complements the India-specific progress detailed in the article.
