AP tops HIV control efforts, Minister Satyakumar Yadav announces

Andhra Pradesh has emerged as a front-runner in controlling HIV cases, according to the state’s Health Minister, Satyakumar Yadav. The state’s AIDS Control Society (AP SHAKS) achieved a 76.96% success rate in meeting targets set by the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), which aimed for an 80% benchmark.

Minister Satyakumar highlighted that the HIV positivity rate among the general population has steadily declined from 2.34% in 2015-16 to 0.58% in 2024-25, thanks to awareness campaigns promoting safe practices such as condom use.

Comparing historical data, deaths due to AIDS have decreased by 88.72% since 2010, according to NACO’s 2024-25 annual estimates. Among pregnant women, the HIV positivity rate dropped from 0.10% in 2015-16 to 0.04% in 2024-25. Minister Satyakumar shared these figures in a statement commemorating World AIDS Day.

New HIV cases in Andhra Pradesh have decreased from 24,957 in 2015-16 to 13,383 in 2024-25. The government’s initiatives - including raising awareness among affected individuals and providing free antiretroviral medication - have also helped reduce AIDS-related deaths. Currently, Maharashtra reports the highest number of HIV cases in India (3,62,392), followed by Andhra Pradesh (2,75,528). However, Andhra Pradesh has been successful in preventing an increase in new infections. Additionally, 42,008 HIV patients in the state are receiving government pensions, with more applications under review.

Andhra Pradesh is making steady progress toward the United Nations AIDS targets (95%-95%-95%), which focus on identifying those affected, providing them medication, and reducing viral loads. Nationally, 81% of these targets have been achieved, while AP SHAKS reached 86%. Viral suppression goals stand at 97% nationally, with Andhra Pradesh achieving 95%, and 87% of identified patients are receiving treatment, close to the national target of 88%, according to AP SHAKS Project Director Neelakanth Reddy.

The state government spends an average of ₹35,000-₹40,000 per HIV patient annually. Free antiretroviral therapy (ART) is supplied through NACO under central schemes, and monthly testing - including viral load monitoring - costs ₹3,000-₹3,500 per patient. Currently, 2,38,760 patients receive medication across 59 ART centers in the state. The first HIV case in Andhra Pradesh was recorded in 2004 in Guntur, and patients receiving treatment continue to maintain improved quality of life.

Under a pilot initiative launched last year, 13 ‘Comprehensive Safety Centers’ provide counseling and testing for high-risk individuals who test negative but remain at risk due to behaviors like multiple sexual partners. Around 35,000 people have been tested so far. High-risk groups - including sex workers, men who have sex with men, injecting drug users, transgender individuals, migrants, and truckers - receive HIV testing twice a year, facilitated by 109 NGOs across the state.