Andhra Pradesh stands first in controlling HIV cases, says Health Minister

Andhra Pradesh stands first in the country in controlling HIV cases, as the A.P. State AIDS Control Society (APSACS) has achieved 76.96% against the target of 80% set by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), says Minister for Health Satya Kumar Yadav.

In a statement issued on Sunday, on the eve of the World AIDS Day on December 1 (Monday), Mr. Satya Kumar explained that the HIV-positive rate in the State decreased from 2.34% in 2015–16 to 0.58% by 2024–25.

There were 24,957 new cases in 2015–16 and 21,982 cases in 2018–19. By 2024–25, the new caseload reduced to 13,383. He added that awareness programmes and promoting safe practices like condom use contributed to the decrease.

AIDS-related deaths also declined by 88.72% compared to 2010, as per NACO’s 2024–25 annual estimates, the Minister said. Among pregnant women too, HIV rate decreased from 0.10% in 2015–16 to 0.04% in 2024–25.

In the country, while Maharashtra, with 3,62,392 cases, ranked first, Andhra Pradesh, with 2,75,528 cases, stood second. But the government achieved progress in preventing new infections, the Minister said, adding that 42,008 AIDS patients were receiving pension.

The State was progressing towards achieving the United Nations AIDS target of identifying patients, providing treatment, and reducing viral loads. At the national level, 81% of the target had been achieved, and the State achieved 86%, said APSACS Project Director Neelakantha Reddy.

He added that the government spends ₹35,000 to ₹40,000 per year per HIV patient. At present 2,38,760 patients were receiving medicine every month through 59 anti retroviral therapy (ART) centres across the State.

Regular medication improved their quality of life, Mr. Neelakantha Reddy said. The first HIV case in the State had been reported in Guntur in 2004 and the patient continues to live a healthy life with treatment, he said.