Adilabad sees steady decline in HIV prevalence over recent years

Adilabad district has reported a steady decline in HIV positive cases, with 130 detections in 2024-25. Officials credit increased testing, awareness programmes and support services. The district’s HIV prevalence stands at 0.29 per cent, with multiple counselling centres operating

Adilabad: The district has recorded a steady decline in HIV positive cases over the past few years, according to data shared by Medical and Health officials.

From April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025, the district detected 130 HIV positive cases after screening 62,418 persons, compared to 139 positive cases from 64,875 tests conducted in 2023-24. In 2022-23, 125 persons were found positive among 43,636 screened.

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A total of 5,58,338 people voluntarily underwent HIV testing between 2008 and 2025, of whom 2,589 were diagnosed with the infection. Adilabad stood at the 26th position in Telangana with an average prevalence of 0.29 per cent between 2016 and 2025, while Kumram Bheem Asifabad recorded the lowest prevalence at 0.14 per cent.

Officials said that voluntary organisation SURE has been creating awareness among vulnerable groups, particularly homosexual men and female sex workers, on HIV prevention. The organisation works in 25 villages, providing counselling and support to those infected.

Four testing centres, including RIMS Adilabad, Utnoor, Boath and a mobile Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre, are operational for public convenience. In addition, 27 HIV counselling and testing centres function through community and primary health centres across the district. Three blood banks are available to supply blood for patients.

The State government and voluntary organisations are extending legal and financial assistance to patients. The government provides a social security pension of Rs 2,016 to those diagnosed as HIV positive. Officials advised people to undergo testing and visit an HIV centre if they experience symptoms such as persistent cough, fever, weight loss, vomiting, skin diseases, anorexia or loss of appetite.

Year	Tests	HIV positive cases
2016-17	50,830	147
2017-18	41,685	193
2018-19	38,222	145
2019-20	48,352	163
2020-21	29,337	92
2021-22	37,437	105
2022-23	43,636	125
2023-24	64,875	139
2024-25	62,418	130
2025-Oct	31,869	83
Total	4,48,661	1,322