Minister to launch youth and stigma-free campaign on World AIDS Day

India is gearing up to observe World AIDS Day 2025 with renewed focus on prevention, youth awareness and stigma elimination, backed by significant gains in its fight against HIV. Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda will lead the national commemoration at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on December 1, highlighting the country’s achievements under the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP-V) and unveiling new initiatives aimed at creating a stigma-free and informed society.

Organised by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), the event will witness participation from senior government officials, public health experts, international development partners, youth representatives, community advocates, frontline health workers and people living with HIV (PLHIV). A youth-led flash performance will mark the beginning of the programme, drawing attention to responsible behaviour, awareness and acceptance. This will be followed by the inauguration of a thematic exhibition featuring digital innovations, community-led prevention models and programme achievements.

One of the major highlights of the observance will be the launch of a new national multimedia campaign centred around three critical areas: Youth and Awareness, Elimination of Vertical Transmission, and Stigma and Discrimination. Key resources, including the 7th Edition of Sankalak, India HIV Estimates 2025, a Research Compendium, and an IT-enabled Virtual Intervention Landing Page, will also be released to strengthen digital access and community support.

India's progress under NACP-V has been notable, with HIV testing rising from 4.13 crore in 2020–21 to 6.62 crore in 2024–25. Access to antiretroviral therapy has increased from 14.94 lakh to 18.60 lakh people living with HIV during the same period, while viral load testing has nearly doubled from 8.90 lakh to 15.98 lakh. Between 2010 and 2024, the country recorded a 48.7 per cent reduction in new HIV infections, an 81.4 per cent decline in AIDS-related deaths and a 74.6 per cent drop in mother-to-child transmission, surpassing global averages.

HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, weakens the body's immune system by attacking CD4 cells, making individuals more vulnerable to infections and certain cancers. If untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS, a late stage of the infection marked by severe immune deterioration. People with untreated HIV face complications such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, viral infections and increased risks of malignancies. Beyond the medical challenges, stigma and discrimination remain significant barriers, often preventing individuals from seeking timely diagnosis, treatment and care. Mental health concerns, social exclusion and misinformation further affect those living with HIV.

However, advances in treatment and awareness have proven that HIV is manageable with early diagnosis and consistent antiretroviral therapy. People living with HIV can now lead healthy, productive and dignified lives, provided societal stigma is removed and adequate support systems are ensured. India’s public health strategy increasingly focuses on digital tools, community outreach, counselling support and youth engagement to make prevention and care more accessible.

As World AIDS Day 2025 approaches, India reaffirms its commitment to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. With strong community participation, policy support, innovation and inclusion, the nation continues its journey toward an informed, compassionate and stigma-free society.