Understanding HIV epidemic in India: analyses of the HIV program data

We describe the current status of the human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) epidemic among adults in India. Analyses of data relating to HIV positive persons aged 15 to 49 years as reported to the national HIV/AIDS Reporting System from the major states provide trends in HIV prevalence based on sentinel surveillance from 2004 through 2008. Analyses reveal that the number of HIV positive pregnant women had increased from 8991 in 2005 to 20027 in 2008. Five states (Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Gujarat) contributed 17097 (85%) of 20027 positive pregnant women identified in the same year. Seropositvity among general clients and pregnant women has declined from 11.55% to 5.33% and 0.77% to 0.43% from year 2005 to 2008, respectively. Five states of the southern and western region account for more than three-fourths of the volume of HIV infected persons. Government of India’s policy of categorizing districts and states based on prevalence and other program data appears justified. Study reveals success of NACP III in combating the HIV epidemic which is reflection of comprehensive evidence based planning which gives judicious focus on prevention but at the same time does not ignore care and treatment.