Assam known as the gateway to the other Northeastern states is witnessing a significant increase in HIV infections. Accounting for approximately 65% of new infections over the past three years, Assam Health Minister Keshab Mahanta stated that the state has registered an increase in the number of HIV-AIDS cases, with injecting of drugs being the main cause. “The state government has already launched a drive against illegal drugs. But we have more to achieve to stop it altogether,” Mahanta maintained that the state’s position as a transit point for the rest of the northeast also makes its populace more vulnerable, while treatment of patients from other states in Assam further leads to an increase in the state’s overall tally
Dr. SI Ahmed, chairman and medical director, AIDS Prevention Society said, “There were 7,274 new HIV cases detected in Assam in 2023-24 with the number of new infections rising year-on-year. The latest available data for the period ending November 4, 2025 indicates that 19,030 general clients and 1,811 pregnant women were detected as HIV positive in the most recent reporting period.
Districts such as Kamrup (Metro), Nagaon, and Cachar have reported the highest number of cases in the latest reporting period. According to the figures provided by the Society, as many as 6,758 cases were detected in 2024-25.Transmission of the virus through injecting drugs accounts for the highest number of new cases currently.
The AIDS Prevention Society, based at the Monaliv Clinic & AIDS Research Centre in Guwahati marked World AIDS Day 2025 on Monday with a call to protect HIV services and support community-led action. led by Dr. S. I. Ahmed, Chairman and Medical Director of the Society. Under the theme “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response,”.The Speakers also pointed out that the Northeast continues to have the highest HIV prevalence in India, with Mizoram, Nagaland, and Manipur topping the l