HIV/AIDS in India

India has made substantial progress in reducing new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths, while continuing to expand HIV testing, prevention, treatment and care services. According to the India HIV Estimates 2023, an estimated 25.44 lakh (2.544 million) people were living with HIV in India in 2023. The estimated adult HIV prevalence among people aged 15–49 years was 0.20%.

The same estimates recorded approximately 68,450 new HIV infections in 2023 and about 35,870 AIDS-related deaths. Compared with 2010, annual new HIV infections were estimated to have declined by about 44%, while AIDS-related deaths declined by about 79%. HIV remains an important public-health issue and continued prevention, early diagnosis and treatment are essential.

What is HIV?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) attacks the body's immune system, particularly CD4 cells. If HIV is not treated, the immune system can become progressively weaker. The most advanced stage of HIV infection is called AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). Today, effective antiretroviral treatment (ART) can suppress HIV and help people living with HIV live long and healthy lives. HIV treatment does not currently cure the infection, so continuing treatment and medical follow-up are important.

How is HIV Transmitted?

HIV can be transmitted when certain body fluids from a person with HIV enter another person's body. Important routes include:

• Sexual contact without effective HIV prevention measures when HIV is present and not effectively suppressed.
• Sharing contaminated needles, syringes or other injecting equipment.
• Transmission from a pregnant person to the baby during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding.
• Exposure to blood containing HIV, including through unsafe blood or medical procedures where appropriate safety standards are not followed.

HIV is NOT Spread By Normal Social Contact

HIV is not spread by ordinary day-to-day contact such as hugging, shaking hands, sharing food or water, sitting together, using the same toilet, or ordinary social interaction. Accurate information is important for reducing fear, stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV.

HIV Testing in India

The only reliable way to know your HIV status is to get tested. India's National AIDS Control Programme provides HIV counselling and testing services through government-supported facilities, including Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTCs) and other linked health facilities.

HIV testing should be accompanied by appropriate counselling, confidentiality and linkage to further care. If you believe you may have recently been exposed to HIV, speak with a qualified healthcare professional promptly because prevention options such as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) are time-sensitive.

HIV Treatment and ART

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) uses a combination of medicines to control HIV. Treatment reduces the amount of HIV in the body, protects the immune system and greatly improves health outcomes. People diagnosed with HIV should be linked to HIV care and treatment as soon as possible. Regular medical follow-up and adherence to prescribed treatment are important.

When a person takes ART and maintains an undetectable viral load, HIV is not sexually transmitted to their partner (Undetectable = Untransmittable, or U=U). People should continue their treatment and follow their healthcare provider's advice to maintain viral suppression.

HIV Prevention

• Use condoms correctly and consistently.
• Get tested for HIV when appropriate and know your HIV status.
• Never share needles, syringes or other injecting equipment.
• Use sterile equipment for medical, tattooing and piercing procedures.
• Seek medical advice promptly after a possible HIV exposure.
• People at ongoing risk may discuss HIV prevention options such as PrEP with a qualified healthcare professional.
• Pregnant people should receive appropriate HIV testing and medical care to reduce the risk of transmission to the baby.
• Follow prescribed ART if living with HIV.

HIV, AIDS and Stigma

HIV is a medical condition and should not be a reason for discrimination. People living with HIV can work, study, have relationships and participate in normal social activities. Treatment and support can help people living with HIV maintain their health and quality of life. India's HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017 provides a legal framework addressing discrimination and protecting the rights of people infected with or affected by HIV and AIDS.

HIV and Young People

Young people benefit from accurate, age-appropriate information about HIV, sexually transmitted infections, prevention, consent and where to obtain confidential health services. Reliable information is preferable to rumours or misinformation shared through social media.

HIV and Pregnancy

HIV can be transmitted from a pregnant person to a baby during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding. Appropriate testing and treatment during pregnancy, together with recommended medical care, can substantially reduce the risk of transmission. Anyone who is pregnant and concerned about HIV should contact a qualified healthcare professional or an appropriate government health facility.

HIV and Tuberculosis (TB)

HIV can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of serious infections, including tuberculosis (TB). HIV services therefore include attention to important co-infections and other health conditions. People living with HIV should discuss symptoms and regular health monitoring with their healthcare provider.

HIV/AIDS Statistics – India

Indicator	India – 2023 Estimate
People living with HIV	25.44 lakh (approximately 2.54 million)
Adult HIV prevalence (15–49 years)	0.20%
New HIV infections	68.45 thousand
AIDS-related deaths	35.87 thousand
People living with HIV aged 15 years and above	24.81 lakh
Women aged 15+ living with HIV	11.22 lakh
Children below 15 years living with HIV	0.63 lakh

Source: National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), India HIV Estimates 2023. Statistics are estimates and should not be interpreted as individual diagnosis.

Important HIV/AIDS Resources and Official Links

• National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) – Government of India's national HIV/AIDS programme and information.
• WHO India – HIV/AIDS – HIV information, prevention, testing, treatment and technical resources.
• WHO – HIV and AIDS Questions & Answers – General information about HIV, transmission, prevention and treatment.
• UNAIDS – India – Global HIV information, data and India's HIV response.
• UNAIDS HIV Estimates and Data – International HIV estimates and statistical resources.
• NACO SOCH – NACO's digital platform supporting HIV programme service delivery.

Where to Seek Help

For HIV testing, counselling, treatment or questions about a possible exposure, contact a government health facility or an HIV service facility supported by the National AIDS Control Programme. NACO's programmes include HIV testing services and ART centres.

If you think you have recently been exposed to HIV, do not wait for symptoms. Seek medical advice as soon as possible because some post-exposure prevention options are most effective when started promptly.

Important Note

This page is provided for general health education and awareness. It is not a substitute for diagnosis, medical advice or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. HIV testing and treatment decisions should be made with an appropriate healthcare provider or authorised health service.

Sources: National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), Government of India; Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India; World Health Organization (WHO); and UNAIDS.