An ICMR study has revealed a concentrated HIV burden in South India, identifying 54 districts across five southern states and union territories as high-priority intervention zones.

The findings aim to guide targeted health services and strengthen India’s HIV response.

Key Points:

• The study estimates around 25.44 lakh people living with HIV in India in 2023, with 6.35 lakh in five southern states—about 24% of the national total.
• Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana alone account for the highest number of HIV cases in the region.
• The identified 54 high-priority districts contribute to 77% of the region’s HIV burden, 43% of new infections, and 65% of the need for eliminating vertical transmission.
• Around 19,960 pregnant women in 2023 required services to prevent mother-to-child transmission, with 17 districts flagged for high EVTH needs.
• The study supports targeted HIV interventions, improved surveillance, and maternal health services to help India progress toward its 2030 AIDS elimination goals.