HIV/AIDS in India

(November 2003) With 0.8 percent of the adult population infected, India lags behind only Thailand and Cambodia in the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among Southeast Asian countries. Although the HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in India is low compared with that in African countries, India's large number of cases — about 4.6 million in 2002 — could lead to a runaway epidemic.

HIV/AIDS is spreading rapidly in India. During 2002, the number of people infected rose to 4.58 million, up from 3.97 million the previous year. The extent of the virus is estimated based on testing by the National AIDS Control Organisation at "sentinel" sites, primarily clinics and hospitals. At these sites, health workers test a sample of high- and low-risk subjects for the disease. Testing at prenatal care sites (where clients are considered a low-risk group) has confirmed that the epidemic has spread to the general population: 8 percent of pregnant women tested at these sites in Nagaland were found to have HIV, and percentages for selected clinics in Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu were 4 percent and higher.

These reports, prepared by the Population Foundation of India and PRB, provide graphics and text on prevalence rates (by geographic area and by demographic group), main means of transmission, connection with sexually transmitted infections, level of public awareness about the disease and how to prevent it, and recommendations for quick action by policymakers.

The chartbook and fact sheets include a country overview and state profiles for Karnataka, Nagaland, Tamil Nadu, Manipur, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh — the states with the highest prevalence rates.