World AIDS Day is celebrated around the world on December 1st each year since 1988. It has become one of the most recognized international health days and a key opportunity to raise awareness, commemorate those who have passed on, and celebrate victories, such as increased access to treatment and prevention services. Global HIV Statistics 40.8 million [37.0 million–45.6 million] people globally were living with HIV in 2024. 1.3 million [1 million–1.7 million] people became newly infected with HIV in 2024. 630 000 [490 000–820 000] people died from AIDS-related illnesses in 2024. 31.6 million people [27.8–32.9 million] were accessing antiretroviral therapy in 2024. 91.4 million [73.4 million–116.4 million] people have become infected with HIV since the start of the epidemic. 44.1 million [37.6 million–53.4 million] people have died from AIDS-related illnesses since the start of the epidemic. To know more, click here. India - HIV statistics As per the Sankalp - Status of National AIDS Response report (2024) of the Government, HIV epidemic continues to maintain a low level nationally with an estimated adult HIV prevalence of 0.20% (0.17-0.25) and around 25.44 lakh (21.68-30.38) people living with HIV (PLHIV) in 2023 New infections in 2023 are estimated at almost 44% lower than in 2010, while AIDS-related deaths declined by 79%. Despite prevalence, HIV rates in Mizoram (2.73%), Nagaland (1.37%), and Manipur (0.87%) ignificantly exceed the national average. New nfections are rising in Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Assam, and Punjab. Notably, from 2010 to 2023, new infections in Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh surged by over 100%, and doubled in Punjab and Meghalaya. mjecting drug use is the main transmission oute in these states, accounting for 61-77% of mewly detected cases in Assam, Arunachal Pradoch Punish and Tripura in 2023 24 HIV prevalence remains very high among key populations such as migrants, truckers, female sex workers (FSW), prison inmates, men who have sex with men (MSM), hijra/transgender (H/TG) person and, people who inject drugs (PWID). These groups experience HIV rates 9-43 times higher than the general adult population. According to a 2021 report by the National Centre for Disease Control(Directorate General of Health Services) based on HIV sentinel surveillance under NACP, HBV seroprevalence ranges from 0.95% in FSW to 3.09% in PWID, whereas HCV seroprevalence varies from 0.67% in migrants to 33.41% in PWID. The number of PLHIV who are diagnosed, on treatment, and virally suppressed continues to rise. By March 2024, those aware of their status increased by 21%, from 17 lakh in March 2019 to 20.49 lakh. The number on ART grew by 28%, from 13.98 lakh to 17.95 lakh. An estimated 17.49 lakh PLHIV had suppressed viral loads as of March 2024. As on March 2024, approximately 81% of PLHIV were aware of their status, 88% of whom were receiving ART, and 97% of those on ART achieved viral suppression. To know more, click here. India HIV Estimations 2023 As per the India HIV Estimations 2023 report, over 2.5 million people are living with HIV in India, but thanks to concerted efforts, the adult HIV prevalence is at 0.2 % and estimated annual new HIV infections are at around 66,400. New annual HIV infections have decreased by 44% since 2010, outperforming the global reduction rate of 39%. India offers comprehensive HIV and Syphilis testing to all pregnant women with more than 30 million free HIV tests being conducted annually. In total, more than 1.7 million people are receiving free Anti-retroviral Therapy (ART) through public healthcare systems. India is the world’s largest supplier of anti-retroviral drugs. The country currently supplies over 70% of global anti-retroviral medicines, ensuring affordable access for nations in need. India HIV Estimates 2023 - Factsheet 2025 Theme: Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response The theme of this year's World AIDS Day is “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response." The commemoration of World AIDS Day, which will take place on 1 December 2025, is an important opportunity to highlight the impact that the funding cuts from international donors have had on the response to AIDS as well as to showcase the resilience of countries and communities stepping up to protect the gains made and drive the HIV response forward. World AIDS Day Report 2025 Source : UN