Haryana Intensifies HIV Screening, 5,877 Test Positive in Current FY

Haryana has significantly ramped up its efforts in the ongoing battle against Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired ImmunoDeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), reporting substantial progress in screening and treatment initiatives. As per official statements from Sumita Misra, Additional Chief Secretary of Health and Family Welfare, Haryana, the state screened approximately 12.40 lakh (1.24 million) individuals for HIV during the current financial year (FY25-26), specifically between April 2025 and January 2026. Out of those screened, 5,877 individuals were found to be HIV positive. This concerted effort underscores the state government's commitment to making HIV testing and care accessible without stigma, reaching every segment of society. The data, consistently reported across multiple credible news outlets including Hindustan Times, Devdiscourse, Tribune India, and Punjab Newsline, confirms the major claims of the initial article and provides a real-time snapshot of the state's public health response. To facilitate widespread testing, Haryana operates 104 Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTCs), which include a mobile unit stationed in Faridabad. These centres offer free and confidential services, crucial for encouraging more people to come forward for testing. Beyond testing, the state has significantly expanded its treatment infrastructure. The Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) network has grown to include 24 ART centres spread across key districts such as Rohtak, Gurugram, Faridabad, Karnal, Hisar, Ambala, and Mewat. Notably, 13 of these centres have been newly established within medical colleges, aiming to bring advanced care closer to patients who might otherwise face challenges due to long travel distances. Additionally, five Facility Integrated ART Centres (FIARTs) and four Link ART Centres (LARTs) are operational, further strengthening the treatment delivery system. Currently, a total of 40,851 patients across Haryana are receiving life-saving ART treatment. A significant achievement highlighted in maternal health initiatives is the screening of 5,65,830 pregnant women for HIV during the same period. Among them, 613 tested positive and were promptly linked to treatment, a critical step towards eliminating the vertical transmission of HIV/AIDS from mother to child. Recognizing the financial burden on People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIVs), the Haryana government launched a monthly financial assistance scheme in December 2021. Under this scheme, eligible PLHIVs receive ₹2,250 per month, a measure designed to ease their financial strain and improve adherence to treatment. So far, a total of ₹54.3 crore has been disbursed under this initiative. Furthermore, registered patients also benefit from free follow-up care and access to advanced diagnostic procedures, including ultrasounds, MRIs, and CT scans, through public-private partnership arrangements. These comprehensive initiatives are part of Haryana's broader strategy to combat HIV/AIDS, focusing on a multi-pronged approach that includes prevention, early detection, accessible treatment, and social support. The ongoing efforts are crucial as previous data indicates a rising trend in the number of HIV patients in Haryana. For instance, an October 2025 report noted a more than 100% increase in HIV patients receiving treatment in Haryana over the past five years, with the number reaching 34,535 in 2023-24. This highlights the continued importance of such intensified screening and treatment programs. The state is also addressing other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) through 31 designated clinics, offering free counselling, syphilis testing, and treatment. A network of 42 targeted intervention projects, managed by Red Cross Societies and NGOs, actively engages with 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, six-monthly HIV testing, and condom distribution, demonstrating a holistic approach to public health. The overall strategy aligns with the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) Phase V, which is fully funded by the Centre from April 1, 2021, to March 31, 2026, with a budget of ₹15,471.94 crore. This phase emphasizes prevention, detection, treatment, and patient retention, with a goal of ensuring that over 99.5% of India's population remains HIV-free. In conclusion, the report from The Times of India, corroborated by other reputable news sources, accurately reflects the significant ongoing efforts by the Haryana government in controlling and managing HIV/AIDS within the state. The reported figures pertain to the current fiscal year (April 2025 – January 2026), demonstrating proactive health governance and a commitment to public welfare. The headline is accurate in reflecting these ongoing efforts. The consistency in reporting across various media outlets lends high credibility to the information.

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