HIV infections in Assam have increased significantly, primarily due to injecting drug use, as indicated by recent statistics from the AIDS Prevention Society. The state’s estimated HIV prevalence stands at 0.08 percent, lower than the national average of 0.20 percent, but over 35,000 individuals are believed to be living with the virus, with the true number potentially higher. For the fiscal year 2023-24, 7,274 new cases were reported, reflecting a rise in infections. Notably, as of November 4, 2025, 19,030 general clients and 1,811 pregnant women tested positive for HIV. Dr. S.I. Ahmed emphasized that injecting drug use now accounts for approximately 65 percent of new infections, a significant shift from previous heterosexual transmission patterns. Assam’s geographical position as a gateway to the Northeastern states and its young demographic, along with rising migration, heighten its risk for further infections. The districts of Kamrup (Metro), Nagaon, and Cachar reported the highest cases recently, contrasting with other states like Mizoram, Nagaland, and Manipur, which have higher adult HIV prevalence rates, while Tripura and Meghalaya are seeing an uptick in new infections.
