The Telangana government has launched an ambitious public health initiative called “Mission AIDS Suraksha” (MAS), aiming to significantly reduce HIV infections across the state, including Hyderabad. The program aligns with global UNAIDS targets known as the “95-95-95” goals—ensuring that 95% of people with HIV are diagnosed, 95% of those diagnosed receive treatment, and 95% achieve viral suppression.
Currently, Telangana stands at approximately 85-93-98 in these categories, indicating progress but also highlighting gaps in early diagnosis and treatment access. Hyderabad, along with districts like Warangal and Khammam, has been identified as a high-priority region, accounting for a large share of HIV cases.
The initiative focuses on expanding community-based testing, especially among underserved and high-risk groups such as migrant workers, tribal populations, and prison inmates. Authorities are also working to address persistent challenges like social stigma, low testing rates in outpatient departments, and weak coordination between tuberculosis and HIV programs.
Telangana records around 10,000 new HIV cases annually, with approximately 1.56 lakh people currently living with HIV. Despite these numbers, the state has improved its national ranking in HIV control—from 33rd to 10th—due to increased awareness and testing efforts.
The government aims to eliminate new HIV infections by the end of 2026, with continued efforts extending into 2027. Mission AIDS Suraksha represents a comprehensive approach combining awareness, testing, treatment, and social support to tackle the epidemic more effectively in Hyderabad and beyond.
News as reported
