HIV Cases Rising Rapidly in Assam, Driven by Drug Use

Assam is seeing a sharp rise in HIV cases, with over 7,200 new infections recorded in 2023–24, the AIDS Prevention Society reported ahead of World AIDS Day. Although the State’s HIV prevalence (0.08%) remains lower than the national average, over 35,000 people are estimated to be living with HIV.

Injecting drug use now accounts for about 65% of new infections, replacing heterosexual transmission as the primary cause. Kamrup Metro, Nagaon and Cachar reported the highest numbers of cases.

Experts warn the actual figures may be higher due to rising drug abuse and increasing seizures of heroin, meth and Yaba in the State.