Preventive strategies and early detection are crucial in combating HIV/AIDS, stated Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Monday in observance of World AIDS Day.

Observed annually on December 1, World AIDS Day aims to address the epidemic and the unique vulnerabilities of children, adolescent girls, and young women, in addition to combating the stigma associated with the disease. This year’s theme is “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response.”

Nadda emphasized the importance of challenging misconceptions and the stigma faced by individuals living with HIV.

“World AIDS Day serves as a reminder of the significance of comprehending HIV/AIDS, implementing preventive strategies, and promoting early testing. It also provides an opportunity to express solidarity with those who are infected and affected by HIV, while challenging myths surrounding HIV transmission,” the Health Minister wrote in a post on social media platform X.

“We, as a community, must enhance awareness, address the stigma and discrimination tied to HIV/AIDS, and guarantee equitable access to healthcare for everyone. Let’s unite to strive for a healthier and more inclusive future,” he further stated.

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 40.8 million individuals globally were living with HIV in 2024. While around 630,000 individuals succumbed to HIV-related illnesses in 2024, an estimated 1.3 million people contracted HIV last year.

Remarkably, between 2010 and 2024, India experienced a 48.7 percent reduction in annual new HIV infections, an 81.4 percent decrease in AIDS-related fatalities, and a 74.6 percent drop in mother-to-child HIV transmission, according to data from the Health Ministry.

India continues to show significant advancements under the current phase of the National AIDS Control Programme.

“HIV testing rose from 4.13 crore (2020–21) to 6.62 crore (2024–25); access to antiretroviral therapy increased from 14.94 lakh to 18.60 lakh people living with HIV; and viral load testing nearly doubled from 8.90 lakh to 15.98 lakh during the same period,” stated the Ministry.

In the meantime, Dr. Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge at WHO South-East Asia, noted that the WHO South-East Asia Region, which includes India, has progressed in recent years.

Access to and coverage of antiretroviral treatment have cut down deaths by 62 percent from 2015 to 2024, with new infections reducing by 32 percent in that same timeframe.

Eighty-five percent of individuals with HIV are aware of their status, with 74 percent of those—approximately 2.7 million individuals—receiving treatment, and 72 percent achieving viral suppression. While this is promising, they still fall short of the global ‘95-95-95’ target to end AIDS by 2030, as the HIV burden remains considerable throughout the region.

Last year, 88,000 individuals were newly diagnosed, and roughly 50,000 people lost their lives to HIV-related causes.

“At present, around 3.5 million individuals in the region are living with HIV. These challenges are exacerbated by 42 million individuals living with hepatitis B, seven million with hepatitis C, and 60 million with sexually transmitted infections (STIs),” Boehme mentioned in a statement.