Publications - Released in 2010
HIV was first detected in India among female sex workers in Tamil Nadu in 1986. Over the last 25 years the epidemic has spread throughout the country, affecting a range of population groups and locations. It has been reported from all the Indian states and territories and currently an estimated 2.27 million people are living with HIV (PLHIV) in the country.
HIV prevalence in India varies by district, state and region, with numerous isolated pockets of high prevalence. The distribution of regions or pockets of high prevalence has also varied over the years. For instance, in 2000-2004, HIV prevalence in the southern states was estimated to be about five times higher that in northern states. Since then while HIV prevalence has stabilized or even decreased in the southern states, new areas have seen a rise in HIV prevalence particularly in the northern and eastern regions.