Haryana state officials have reported a significant effort to combat HIV/AIDS, with over 1.24 million individuals screened for the virus in the current financial year. Of those tested between April 2025 and January 2026, 5,877 individuals received a positive diagnosis, according to a statement released on .
The intensified screening program reflects a broader commitment to public health within the state. Sumita Misra, Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, emphasized the government’s priority of making both testing and care accessible to all segments of society and without the stigma often associated with HIV/AIDS. “Haryana has ramped up its fight against HIV/AIDS, testing more than 12.40 lakh people in the current financial year and expanding its treatment infrastructure to reach patients in every corner of the state,” Misra stated.
A key component of this effort involves proactive screening of pregnant women. During the same period, 565,830 pregnant women were tested, with 613 testing positive. Crucially, these individuals were promptly linked to treatment, a strategy designed to prevent vertical transmission – the passage of HIV from mother to child – and eliminate the risk of congenital infection. This focus on maternal health represents a significant achievement in the state’s public health initiatives.
Beyond testing, Haryana has been actively expanding its treatment infrastructure. The state currently operates 104 Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTC), including a mobile unit in Faridabad, providing free and confidential services. These centers are vital for early detection and linkage to care. The state has bolstered its Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) services through 24 ART centres strategically located across key districts including Rohtak, Gurugram, Faridabad, Karnal, Hisar, Ambala, and Mewat. Notably, 13 of these ART centres have been newly established within medical colleges, improving access to specialized care for patients who previously faced significant travel burdens.
The ART network is further supported by five Facility Integrated ART Centres and four Link ART Centres, collectively providing life-saving treatment to 40,851 patients across Haryana. This expansion of treatment facilities demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that individuals diagnosed with HIV have access to the medications and support they need to manage their condition and live healthy lives.
Recognizing the financial challenges faced by individuals living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIVs), the Haryana government implemented a monthly financial assistance scheme in . This scheme provides ₹2,250 per month to eligible PLHIVs, aiming to improve treatment adherence and overall well-being. To date, a total of ₹54.3 crore has been disbursed through this program. Registered patients also benefit from free follow-up care and access to advanced diagnostic procedures, such as ultrasound, MRI, and CT scans, facilitated through public-private partnerships.
Haryana’s approach to HIV/AIDS extends beyond testing and treatment. The state is also actively addressing other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) through 31 designated clinics, offering free counselling, syphilis testing, and treatment. A network of 42 targeted intervention projects, implemented in collaboration with Red Cross Societies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), focuses on reaching high-risk groups, including female sex workers, men who have sex with men, intravenous drug users, truckers, and migrant labourers. These projects provide regular health check-ups, HIV testing every six months, and distribution of contraceptives.
For individuals struggling with opioid dependence, Haryana operates 12 Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) centres and three satellite units. Currently, 9,014 patients are registered in these programs, with 4,569 actively receiving treatment. This integrated approach, addressing both HIV/AIDS and substance use disorders, underscores a comprehensive public health strategy.
These efforts are occurring against a backdrop of increasing HIV diagnoses in the state. Recent data, reported in , indicate that the number of HIV patients receiving treatment in Haryana has more than doubled in the past five years. In 2019-20, 15,371 patients were under treatment, a number that rose to 34,535 in 2023-24. This increase, greater among males than females, highlights the ongoing need for sustained prevention and treatment efforts.
The state government’s commitment to expanding testing, treatment, and support services reflects a proactive approach to managing the HIV/AIDS epidemic and protecting the health of its citizens. The focus on accessibility, affordability, and reducing stigma are crucial elements in achieving long-term success in controlling the spread of the virus and improving the quality of life for those living with HIV/AIDS.
