Patna: While public discussion of HIV-AIDS has waned, the virus continues to spread across Bihar, with officials warning that the disease remains a significant public health concern in several districts.
According to the Bihar State AIDS Control Society, Patna, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Vaishali, Muzaffarpur, Begusarai, Samastipur, Darbhanga, Bhagalpur, and Gaya each report more than 7,000 people living with HIV. The highest number of cases is concentrated in the state capital, Patna, where over 40 lakh people were screened last year, identifying more than 1,500 new infections.
The estimated number of people living with HIV in Bihar stands at 1,54,269, of whom 1,06,000 are receiving antiretroviral treatment. However, only around 99,000 patients are reported to be receiving all types of required medication. Officials noted that roughly 7,000 individuals have moved to other states for work, and efforts are underway to coordinate their treatment with health authorities in those regions.
The information was shared during a media orientation and sensitisation workshop on Tuesday, inaugurated by Project Director Sumit Kumar alongside Joint Director Manoj Kumar Sinha, Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations Mohd. Atar Imam Khan, Deputy Director Mantreshwar Pathak, and other officials.
Accelerating the Target to 2027
Sumit Kumar said the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) has advanced its goal to identify and provide treatment to all people living with HIV by 2027, three years earlier than the previous 2030 target. “This accelerated timeline will help preserve immunity and protect patients from deadly infections,” he said.
The initiative will prioritise high-risk groups and vulnerable areas, with dedicated teams conducting screening programmes. Target groups include female sex workers, men who have sex with men, transgender individuals, injecting drug users, truck drivers, migrant workers and their spouses, high-risk prisoners, pregnant women, and patients with sexually transmitted infections, tuberculosis, and kala-azar. People aged 15 to 49 also fall within the screening ambit.
Kumar highlighted persistent misconceptions about HIV/AIDS in society and underscored the media’s critical role in dispelling these myths. “Sensitive reporting can not only raise awareness but also foster acceptance, support, and respect for people living with HIV,” he said.
The AIDS Control Committee is currently running various programmes aimed at prevention, testing, and treatment. Officials urged wider dissemination of information about these services to ensure more people can access care.
