Overview
The Telangana State AIDS Control Society (TGSACS) has reported significant progress in stabilizing Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) as a chronic, manageable illness. This progress is attributed to improvements in testing, treatment, social support, and community outreach. The society's efforts align with the national goal of eliminating AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Key Developments
HIV Prevalence and New Infections
- The adult HIV prevalence rate in Telangana has decreased from 0.44% in 2023 to 0.41% in 2025.
- This reflects a 58% reduction in new HIV infections.
UNAIDS 95-95-95 Framework
Telangana is making steady progress under the global UNAIDS 95-95-95 framework, which aims to ensure:
- 95% of all people living with HIV know their status.
- 95% of those who are aware of their status are on Anti-retroviral Therapy (ART).
- 95% of those receiving treatment achieve viral suppression.
Telangana has set a target of 1,56,961 individuals for this goal, of whom 1,43,173, or 91.2%, have been covered so far.
Expansion of Services
According to Vasam Venkateshwar Reddy, project director, TGSACS, the progress is due to:
- Continuous expansion of HIV testing services across all districts.
- Community outreach through civil society groups and health facilities.
- Extended access through mobile testing units and targeted intervention sites.
Reduction in HIV-Related Mortality
- Between 2023 and 2024, the State recorded a decline of 977 deaths, representing an approximate 16.5% reduction.
- A further decline of 193 deaths has been recorded between 2024 and 2025 to date, amounting to about 3.9%.
Prevention and Awareness
- District-level outreach and prevention activities, along with awareness among youth, workers, students, and women’s groups, have contributed to safer practices and early detection.
- Regular condom distribution, strengthened STI [Sexually Transmitted Infection] clinic services, and information and communication programmes have supported the overall reduction in new infections.
ART Centers and Testing Coverage
- A total of 22 government ART centers and 8 private hospital ART centers are currently operating.
- Statewide drives screened 8,21,508 general and antenatal care samples, out of which 5,517 individuals were identified as HIV positive.
Social Protection Measures
- Social protection measures have also expanded under the Cheyutha support programme.
- The scheme’s financial assistance coverage reached 34,656 beneficiaries in 2023, 35,547 in 2024, and 45,374 beneficiaries in 2025 till date.
UPSC Relevance
This article is relevant to GS2 (Health) and GS3 (Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources). It highlights government initiatives and progress in combating HIV/AIDS, which is a significant public health issue. Understanding the strategies and outcomes of such programs is crucial for UPSC aspirants.
Important Facts
- Telangana's HIV prevalence rate: Decreased from 0.44% in 2023 to 0.41% in 2025.
- Reduction in new HIV infections: 58%.
- Coverage under UNAIDS 95-95-95: 91.2% of the target population.
- Decline in HIV-related deaths (2023-2024): 977 deaths (16.5% reduction).
- Decline in HIV-related deaths (2024-2025): 193 deaths (3.9% reduction).
- Number of ART centers: 22 government and 8 private.
- Samples screened: 8,21,508.
- Beneficiaries under Cheyutha program (2025): 45,374.