Odisha is witnessing a steady rise in HIV cases, with the total number of infections crossing 63,742 by the end of 2024. This data was shared by Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling in the State Assembly, raising concerns over the effectiveness of ongoing prevention efforts.
Alarming Increase in New Infections
Despite government interventions, the number of new HIV cases has been climbing each year. In 2021, the state reported 2,341 new infections, which surged to 3,436 in 2023–24. This worrying trend indicates that existing measures may not be sufficient to curb the spread of the virus.
Government Efforts to Combat HIV
To tackle the crisis, the Odisha government has set up an extensive network of HIV prevention and treatment facilities. These include:
- 167 standalone HIV counselling centres
- 1,232 testing units in healthcare facilities
- 7 private partnership clinics
Additionally, the government runs 52 targeted intervention projects and seven link-worker programs to support high-risk communities in nearly 800 villages.
Why Are Cases Still Rising?
Even with these initiatives, HIV infections continue to increase. While the government has not pinpointed the exact reasons behind this trend, some possible factors include:
- Limited awareness and education about HIV prevention in rural areas
- Social stigma that discourages people from seeking testing and treatment
- Migration-related transmission, particularly among workers moving between states
HIV Amid Other Health Challenges
The rise in HIV cases is part of a broader public health crisis in Odisha. For example, kidney disease has affected over 15,752 people, highlighting the urgent need for better healthcare infrastructure. The state has set up 68 dialysis centers with 511 beds, but gaps in accessibility remain, especially in remote areas.
What’s Next?
Health experts are calling for stronger monitoring, wider outreach in rural areas, and the integration of HIV prevention into broader healthcare programs. Given that migrant workers are among the most vulnerable, the government has intensified awareness campaigns at railway stations and major bus terminals to promote testing and education.
The fight against HIV in Odisha is far from over, and unless proactive measures are taken, the rising trend could become an even bigger challenge in the years to come.
