Sat Nov 30 19:12:48 UTC 2024: ## Tamil Nadu’s HIV Prevalence Drops Below National Average
**Chennai, December 1, 2024** – Tamil Nadu has achieved a significant milestone in its fight against HIV/AIDS, with the prevalence rate dropping to 0.16% in 2023-2024, a figure lower than the national average of 0.23%. This represents a dramatic decrease from 1.18% in 1997.
According to the Tamil Nadu State AIDS Control Society (TANSACS), this success is attributed to a multi-pronged approach encompassing widespread awareness campaigns, particularly targeting adolescents and youth, and continuous monitoring of high-risk groups. Currently, 73 Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) centers provide comprehensive care to 132,590 Persons Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) across the state.
Health Secretary Supriya Sahu emphasized the importance of continued vigilance and the need for sustained awareness efforts, especially among young people who may have limited knowledge about HIV/AIDS. She highlighted the ongoing challenge of ensuring adherence to ART regimens among those already diagnosed.
Preventive measures include the continuous monitoring of high-risk groups by NGOs and CBOs, such as monitoring condom usage among female sex workers. Public-Private Partnerships support 87 targeted intervention projects in urban areas and 17 Link Worker Schemes in rural areas, focusing on high-risk groups and bridge populations.
Tamil Nadu also leads the nation in providing support for children affected by HIV/AIDS through a dedicated trust established in 2009, which has received ₹25 crore in government funding. Furthermore, plans are underway to develop a management course specifically designed for PLHIV leaders, aiming to empower them with improved intervention and management capabilities. The state government remains committed to ensuring the well-being of PLHIV and continues its efforts in prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS.
First Piper 