Dharamshala (Kameshwar Sharma): Kangra Reports 216 HIV Cases during the financial year 2025-26, prompting health officials to strengthen awareness, testing, and treatment efforts across the district. The issue was discussed in detail during a district-level consultation meeting organized by the District AIDS Prevention and Control Committee (DAPCC) under the chairmanship of Additional Deputy Commissioner Vinay Kumar.
Officials Call for Ending HIV Discrimination
Addressing the meeting, Vinay Kumar emphasized the need to eliminate misconceptions and discrimination against people living with HIV. He stated that HIV/AIDS is not only a health issue but also a matter of social awareness, sensitivity, and collective responsibility.
Moreover, he said that society must ensure dignity and equal treatment for HIV-positive individuals. Therefore, coordinated efforts by various departments are essential to achieve the goal of an AIDS-free India.
Focus on Early Testing and Prevention
The Additional Deputy Commissioner directed officials to ensure timely HIV testing for all pregnant women. This step aims to prevent mother-to-child transmission of the virus.
Furthermore, he stressed that awareness campaigns, regular testing, and access to treatment services are crucial for controlling HIV infections in the district.
Kangra Reports 216 HIV Cases in 2025-26
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Vivek Karol informed the meeting that various Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTCs) in Kangra recorded 216 HIV-positive cases during the financial year 2025-26.
Among these cases, 168 were men, 46 were women, and two were transgender individuals. In addition, 62 people belonged to high-risk groups.
Officials have already linked all identified patients to treatment services. Therefore, healthcare authorities continue to monitor their progress and provide medical support.
HIV Care Infrastructure in Kangra
Dr. Karol highlighted the healthcare infrastructure available under the National AIDS Control Programme.
Currently, Kangra operates:
- 9 Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTCs)
- 3 District Screening and Referral Centres (DSRCs)
- 1 Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Centre
- 2 Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) Centres
- 98 Red Ribbon Clubs
These facilities play an important role in HIV awareness, testing, counselling, and treatment services.
National Target to Control HIV by 2027
District Health Officer Dr. R.K. Sood stated that the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) is implementing the Mobilisation for AIDS Safety Campaign across the country.
The campaign aims to establish effective HIV control in India by December 1, 2027. Moreover, authorities are working to achieve global HIV targets by December 2026 and reduce mother-to-child transmission to zero.
Kangra Among Low-Priority HIV Districts
According to the India HIV Estimates 2025 Report, Kangra is among the three low-priority districts in Himachal Pradesh regarding HIV prevalence.
The district has an estimated 2,256 people living with HIV. Out of these, 2,119 individuals are currently receiving treatment. Furthermore, 1,456 patients have achieved viral load suppression, indicating successful treatment outcomes.
Review of Welfare Schemes
The meeting also reviewed various government welfare schemes designed for HIV-positive individuals and children affected by HIV/AIDS.
Officials discussed measures to improve access to healthcare, legal support, social protection, and rehabilitation services for affected families.
Key Highlights of the news:
- Kangra reports 216 HIV cases during 2025-26.
- Officials emphasize ending discrimination against HIV patients.
- All identified patients have been linked to treatment services.
- Kangra operates 9 ICTCs, 1 ART Centre, and 98 Red Ribbon Clubs.
- Authorities aim to strengthen HIV awareness and prevention efforts.
