HIV infections in Assam have significantly risen, primarily driven by injecting drug use, as per recent reports from the AIDS Prevention Society. The HIV prevalence in Assam stands at 0.08 percent, lower than the national average of 0.20 percent, yet it is estimated that over 35,000 individuals are living with HIV, with the actual number possibly exceeding this figure. In the fiscal year 2023-24, Assam recorded 7,274 new HIV cases, marking a year-on-year increase in infections. Data up to November 4, 2025, indicates that 19,030 general clients and 1,811 pregnant women tested positive for HIV.
Dr. S.I. Ahmed, chairman and medical director of the AIDS Prevention Society, pointed out that although Assam is categorized as a low-prevalence state relative to other areas in Northeastern India, the predominant mode of transmission has shifted significantly towards injecting drug use, accounting for about 65 percent of new infections over the past three years. This marks a pivotal change from previous trends where heterosexual transmission was more common.
Assam’s strategic position as a gateway to other Northeastern states, combined with its large youthful population and rising migration, enhances its susceptibility to further HIV transmission. The districts of Kamrup (Metro), Nagaon, and Cachar have recorded the highest HIV case counts during the recent reporting period. For comparison, in 2024-25, a total of 6,758 cases were detected. In contrast, neighboring states such as Mizoram, Nagaland, and Manipur report the highest adult HIV prevalence rates, while Tripura and Meghalaya are witnessing a rising trend in new HIV infections.
