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Guwahati – The Assam State AIDS Control Society (ASACS) joined the world in observing World AIDS Day at the Srimanta Sankaradeva International Auditorium. The event focused on this year’s global theme: “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS Response.”
Project Director Dr. Indranoshee Das welcomed the gathering, which included many college students. She stated that the day unites people worldwide to support those living with HIV and remember lives lost to AIDS. Dr. Das highlighted ASACS’s progress since 1998. She announced a major success: Assam increased the number of people living with HIV who know their status from 52% in 2022-23 to 91% in 2025-26. This achievement followed special health campaigns in key districts like Nagaon, Cachar, Tinsukia, and Kamrup Metro.
Drug Use Emerges as Top Concern
Dr. Lakshmanan S, Mission Director of the National Health Mission in Assam, served as the Chief Guest. He called the fight against HIV a “never-ending battle” and stressed the need for widespread awareness. He raised a serious concern: over 60% of newly detected HIV cases in Assam now involve people who inject drugs. Dr. Lakshmanan also lamented the ongoing stigma and discrimination faced by people living with HIV.
Leaders Call for Awareness and Action
Other officials echoed the call for awareness. Director of Health Services Dr. Umesh Phangcho urged youth to avoid high-risk behaviors like unprotected sex and drug use. Jahnabi Goswami, President of the Assam Network of Positive People, shared that people with HIV still face social discrimination and asked for more public sensitization.
Districts Honored, Buses Branded with Messages
The event honored 13 districts for successfully running a 60-day HIV awareness campaign. ASACS also flagged off ASTC public buses branded with HIV prevention messages.
HIV Data Shows Shifting Trends in Assam
Recent data reveals important trends:
- Assam’s adult HIV prevalence (0.13%) is lower than the national average (0.20%).
- An estimated 33,174 people live with HIV in the state.
- Nagaon, Kamrup Metro, and Cachar districts have the highest numbers.
- The main route of HIV transmission has changed drastically. In 2020-21, heterosexual contact accounted for 77% of cases. Now, injecting drug use accounts for 60% of new detections.
Working Towards a 2030 Goal
The global Sustainable Development Goal aims to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. To reach this, Assam is working towards the UNAIDS “95-95-95” targets: 95% of people with HIV knowing their status, 95% of them on treatment, and 95% of those on treatment having their virus suppressed. The state’s integrated health campaigns are key to achieving these goals.
World AIDS Day activities took place across all districts of Assam, featuring rallies, meetings, and campaigns on mass media, folk media, and social media.
