Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is making remarkable progress toward eliminating HIV as a public health threat, aiming to achieve the 'One to Zero' goal—zero new HIV infections, zero AIDS-related deaths, and zero stigma and discrimination—well before the 2030 target set by the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
Health Minister Veena George highlighted that the prevalence of HIV infections among adults in Kerala is just 0.07%, significantly lower than the national figure of 0.20%. This low prevalence positions the state to curb new infections ahead of schedule. The minister noted that 1,263 new HIV cases were identified in Kerala during the last financial year.
To combat the AIDS epidemic, Kerala has launched a series of intensive efforts under the 'One to Zero' campaign. The state also strives to meet the ambitious 95:95:95 target by 2025. The goal involves:
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- Identifying 95% of people living with HIV.
- Providing antiretroviral therapy (ART) to 95% of those diagnosed.
- Achieving viral suppression in 95% of those on treatment.
As of 2024, Kerala has successfully achieved the second and third targets and reached 76% of the first target.
The health department places significant emphasis on the treatment and care of people living with HIV. The state operates 793 Jyothis integrated counseling and testing centers and 15 Ushus ART centers across medical colleges and district hospitals, including Kannur, Kollam, Mananthavady (Wayanad), Kasaragod, and Ernakulam. Additionally, Ushus sub-centers function as link ART centers in other major hospitals.
To ensure consistent care, seven districts house Care Support Centers (CSC), which provide essential follow-up services for individuals registered at ART centers. Furthermore, 23 Pulari centers offer free treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, and 64 safety projects are active across all districts to prevent HIV transmission among high-risk groups.
Kerala's integrated approach and proactive strategies are setting a benchmark in HIV prevention and care, moving closer to achieving a state free from the AIDS epidemic.
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