Haryana has significantly expanded its HIV screening and treatment programs, testing over 1.24 million individuals between April 2025 and January 2026. Of those tested, 5,877 individuals were diagnosed with HIV, according to an official statement released on .
Strengthening HIV Response Through Expanded Testing
The state’s health department, led by Additional Chief Secretary Sumita Misra, has focused on increasing access to early detection and care. Currently, Haryana operates 104 Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTCs), including a mobile unit in Faridabad, all offering free and confidential HIV testing services. This expansion represents a substantial effort to identify cases early and link individuals to appropriate treatment.
Misra emphasized the government’s commitment to providing stigma-free access to both testing and treatment for all segments of the population. This commitment is crucial, as stigma remains a significant barrier to HIV prevention and care.
Preventing Mother-to-Child Transmission: A Key Priority
A particularly important aspect of Haryana’s HIV response is its focus on preventing vertical transmission – the passage of HIV from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. During the reporting period, over 565,830 pregnant women were tested for HIV. Of these, 613 tested positive and were promptly connected to treatment protocols designed to minimize the risk of transmission to their newborns. This proactive approach is vital in eliminating new pediatric HIV infections.
Expanding Access to Antiretroviral Therapy
Alongside increased testing, Haryana has been actively strengthening its antiretroviral therapy (ART) infrastructure. The state now operates 24 ART centres strategically located across districts including Rohtak, Gurugram, Faridabad, Karnal, Hisar, Ambala, and Mewat. Thirteen of these centres have been newly established within medical colleges, further broadening access to specialized care.
In addition to the 24 ART centres, five Facility Integrated ART (FI-ART) centres and four Link ART centres are also operational, contributing to a comprehensive network of treatment services. Currently, over 40,851 patients across the state are receiving ART treatment, demonstrating the program’s reach and impact.
Financial Support for People Living with HIV
Recognizing the financial challenges faced by individuals living with HIV, the Haryana government launched a monthly financial assistance scheme in . Under this initiative, People Living with HIV (PLHIV) receive ₹2,250 per month. To date, the government has disbursed ₹54.3 crore through this scheme, providing crucial economic support and reinforcing its dedication to sustained care and social well-being.
Addressing Sexually Transmitted Infections and High-Risk Groups
Haryana’s HIV response extends beyond treatment and prevention of transmission. The state also actively manages sexually transmitted infections (STIs) through 31 designated clinics that offer free counselling, syphilis testing, and treatment services. Addressing STIs is critical, as they can increase the risk of HIV acquisition and transmission.
42 targeted intervention projects, implemented in collaboration with Red Cross Societies and NGOs, focus on reaching high-risk groups, including female sex workers, men who have sex with men, intravenous drug users, truckers, and migrant labourers. These initiatives aim to raise awareness, promote prevention strategies, and facilitate early diagnosis within these vulnerable communities.
Opioid Substitution Therapy and Community Outreach
Acknowledging the connection between substance use and HIV transmission, Haryana operates 12 opioid substitution therapy (OST) centres, along with three satellite units. Currently, 9,014 patients are registered under the program, with approximately 4,570 receiving regular treatment. OST provides a harm reduction approach to managing opioid dependence, reducing the risk of HIV infection associated with intravenous drug use.
To ensure a coordinated and comprehensive response, Haryana has involved multiple government departments in mainstreaming initiatives to sensitize communities and reduce stigma surrounding HIV. Through these collaborative efforts, the state continues to strengthen its overall HIV prevention and treatment framework, working towards the national goal of eliminating HIV as a public health threat.
