Haryana Ramps Up HIV/AIDS Campaign with Extensive Screening and Treatment Expansion
Chandigarh: Haryana has significantly intensified its comprehensive campaign against HIV/AIDS, achieving remarkable progress in screening, diagnosis, and treatment accessibility across the state. According to Sumita Misra, Additional Chief Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department, the state screened over 12.4 lakh individuals during the current financial year while simultaneously strengthening its healthcare infrastructure to ensure statewide access to essential services.
Massive Screening Drive Yields Critical Data
Between April 2025 and January 2026, Haryana conducted HIV tests for a total of 12,40,205 people, resulting in 5,877 individuals being diagnosed as HIV positive. This extensive screening effort is supported by 104 Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTCs) operational throughout the state, including a mobile unit in Faridabad. All these centers provide completely free and confidential services, aligning with the government's priority to make testing and care accessible to every section of society without any stigma.
"Our focus is on creating an inclusive healthcare environment where testing and treatment are available to all, regardless of background or circumstance," stated Dr. Misra, emphasizing the administration's commitment to public health.
Significant Achievements in Maternal Health and Transmission Prevention
One of the standout achievements this year has been in maternal healthcare. The state screened 5,65,830 pregnant women for HIV, with 613 testing positive. These women received timely treatment, a crucial step in the Elimination of Vertical Transmission of HIV/AIDS from mother to child. This initiative represents a major advancement in protecting both maternal and infant health.
Expansion of Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) Services
On the treatment front, Haryana has dramatically expanded its Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) services through 24 ART centres strategically located across key districts including:
- Rohtak
- Gurugram
- Faridabad
- Karnal
- Hisar
- Ambala
- Mewat
Of these centres, 13 have been newly established in medical colleges, significantly improving access to advanced care for patients who previously had to travel long distances for treatment. Additionally, the state operates five Facility Integrated ART Centres and four Link ART Centres, creating a robust network. Currently, 40,851 patients across Haryana are receiving life-saving ART treatment.
Financial Assistance and Comprehensive Care for Patients
To alleviate the financial burden on People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIVs) and enhance treatment adherence, the state government launched a monthly financial assistance scheme in December 2021. This program provides Rs 2,250 per month to eligible PLHIVs, with a total of Rs 54.3 crore disbursed under the scheme to date. Registered patients also benefit from free follow-up care and access to advanced diagnostic procedures including ultrasound, MRI, and CT scans through public-private partnerships.
Broader Sexual Health Initiatives and Targeted Interventions
Beyond HIV-specific measures, Haryana is addressing sexually transmitted infections through 31 designated clinics that offer free counselling, syphilis testing, and treatment. A parallel network of 42 targeted intervention projects, operated through Red Cross Societies and NGOs, works extensively with high-risk groups such as:
- Female sex workers
- Men who have sex with men
- Intravenous drug users
- Truckers
- Migrant labourers
These projects provide regular health check-ups, six-monthly HIV testing, and distribution of contraceptives. For individuals dependent on opioids, the state runs 12 Opioid Substitution Therapy centres and three satellite units, with 9,014 patients registered and 4,569 receiving regular treatment.
Haryana's multi-faceted approach demonstrates a comprehensive strategy to combat HIV/AIDS through prevention, treatment, and support, setting a significant precedent in public health management.
