Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Monday highlighted the importance of preventive measures and early testing in the fight against HIV/AIDS on World AIDS Day.
Observed annually on December 1, World AIDS Day aims to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, address vulnerabilities faced by children, adolescent girls, and young women, and combat stigma attached to the disease. This year’s theme is “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response.”
Sharing a post on X, Nadda said: “World AIDS Day reminds us of the importance of understanding HIV/AIDS, taking preventive measures, and encouraging early testing. It is also an opportunity to show solidarity with those infected and affected by HIV, while dispelling myths about HIV transmission, such as misconceptions regarding how the virus is spread.”
He further added: “As a society, we must raise awareness, combat the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS, and ensure equal access to healthcare for all. Together, let’s work toward a healthier, more inclusive future.”
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 40.8 million people were living with HIV globally in 2024. About 630,000 people died from HIV‑related causes in 2024, while 1.3 million people were newly infected.
India has achieved significant progress under the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP). Between 2010 and 2024, annual new HIV infections declined by 48.7 per cent, AIDS-related deaths fell by 81.4 per cent, and mother-to-child HIV transmission dropped 74.6 per cent. HIV testing increased from 4.13 crore in 2020–21 to 6.62 crore in 2024–25, antiretroviral treatment (ART) coverage rose from 14.94 lakh to 18.60 lakh PLHIV, and viral load testing nearly doubled from 8.90 lakh to 15.98 lakh.