New Delhi: The 2025 Global AIDS Update, released by UNAIDS (Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS), brings to light several pressing issues that India faces in the fight against HIV. The report reveals that 30% of Indians between the ages of 15 and 49 have experienced stigma and discrimination related to HIV.
The report, titled “AIDS, Crisis And The Power To Transform,” was released on July 10. It also highlighted that 24% of partnered or married women living with HIV in India face intimate partner violence, a figure just 10% lower than that of Liberia, which recorded the highest prevalence globally.
Impact on Women’s Health and Rights
The report also points out that over 80% of women aged 15-49 in India, between 2020 and 2024, lacked autonomy over their sexual and reproductive health choices. Additionally, more than 90% of these women were not informed about contraceptive use, underlining the lack of awareness and healthcare resources.
HIV Funding Crisis and Its Impact
The 2025 report also draws attention to the significant funding gaps caused by cuts in international donor contributions. These cuts have seriously impacted HIV treatment and prevention programs worldwide. According to UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima, since 2010, there has been a 40% decline in newly infected HIV cases and a 56% drop in deaths. However, the withdrawal of the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the largest contributor to the global HIV response, could lead to 6 million more HIV infections and 4 million additional deaths by 2029.
The report indicates that these funding shortages could hamper global progress in fighting HIV/AIDS unless countries change their programming strategies.
New HIV Prevention Tools: Lenacapavir
A bright spot in the fight against HIV is the development of new prevention tools, such as Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). This new treatment has shown near-complete efficacy in clinical trials and can prevent HIV with just two injections per year. Lenacapavir’s manufacturer, Gilead Sciences, has licensed six generic manufacturers, including Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Emcure, Hetero, and Mylan, which are operational in India. However, affordability and access remain major challenges for widespread use.
Regional Distribution of HIV Cases
In 2024, Eastern and Southern Africa saw the highest percentage of new HIV infections at 37%, while the Caribbean had the lowest at 1%. India, along with other countries in Asia and the Asia-Pacific, accounted for 23% of new HIV infections.
Regarding people living with HIV in 2024, the highest number was reported in Eastern and Southern Africa, accounting for 52% of the global total, while Asia and the Asia-Pacific region had 17% of the global population of people living with HIV.
Social Enterprises Helping HIV Efforts in India
In India, social enterprises like Mist LGBTQ Foundation and TAAL+ Pharmacy are making significant contributions to HIV prevention and treatment. These organizations offer HIV self-testing services, PrEP consultations, and provide antiretroviral drugs at discounted prices through corporate social responsibility partnerships.
Conclusion
The UNAIDS 2025 report highlights the complex challenges that India faces in combating HIV, from stigma and discrimination to limited access to healthcare and funding gaps. While the HIV landscape in India remains challenging, there are some positive developments, such as the emergence of new prevention tools and the efforts of social enterprises.
