Health Minister urges intensified testing, awareness, and compassion as state targets HIV control by 2030.
Hyderabad: Over 9,400 people tested positive for HIV during 2024-25, out of the 19.02 lakh individuals who underwent testing, according to data presented by the Telangana State AIDS Control Society (TSACS). The state has around 1.24 lakh people living with HIV, all of whom are receiving free treatment through anti-retroviral therapy (ART) centres.
These details were revealed during a review meeting held by Health Minister Damodara Rajanarasimha at the TSMSIDC office in Koti on Monday. Officials informed the minister that 13 districts had more than 5,000 HIV patients each, while another 13 other between 2,000 to 5,000 patients.
The minister directed the health department to increase the number of HIV tests in these 26 districts and focus on high-risk groups by conducting awareness campaigns.
The minister stressed that the goal is to control HIV/AIDS completely by 2030, in line with national and global targets. He asked TSACS to work accordingly and monitor the performance of NGOs associated with the organisation regularly.
The minister also appealed to people to treat HIV/AIDS patients with compassion and not to discriminate against them. He reminded patients to follow their doctors’ advice and take medication regularly without fail.
The meeting was attended by TSACS Director Haimavathi, Health and Family Welfare Commissioner RV Karnan, Director of Medical Education Narendra Kumar, and other senior officials.
