AIDS Claims Nearly 1,700 Lives in J&K Over 28 Years

Suhail Khan

Srinagar, Dec 02 : Data released by the Jammu and Kashmir AIDS Control Society (JKACS) on World AIDS Day reveals that the Union Territory has recorded 1,668 AIDS-related deaths over the past 28 years.

Currently, more than 4,100 patients are receiving treatment under the Society’s Care, Support, and Treatment (CST) programme.

According to figures presented at an event in Srinagar, as per Kashmir Convener, a total of 7,126 people living with HIV (PLHIV) have been registered in Jammu and Kashmir since the inception of JKACS. The 1,668 fatalities represent a sustained loss across nearly three decades.

Another 401 individuals have been classified as “lost to follow-up”—a category public health experts caution may include unreported deaths or untreated cases. At present, 4,139 patients are confirmed to be alive and on antiretroviral therapy (ART) across the UT shows data figure as per this newspaper.

Meanwhile, last week, data obtained through a Right to Information (RTI) application was released to the public. This information was formally disclosed by the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Civil Services (JKACS).

According to the data, the number of new annual HIV cases has fluctuated in recent years: 361 in 2019–20, 206 in 2020–21, 272 in 2021–22, 374 in 2022–23, 338 in 2023–24, 403 in 2024–25, and 117 fresh cases between April and June 2025. Most recorded deaths were among patients receiving ART.

The RTI reply further shows that over ₹10 crore has been allocated to JKACS through the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) from the 2020–21 fiscal year up to June 2025. The Society’s expenditure has risen steadily—from ₹1,177.99 lakh in 2020–21 to ₹2,819.09 lakh in 2024–25.

Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) operating under JKACS for prevention and awareness programmes received more than ₹24 crore during the same period. Their annual allocations rose from ₹293.57 lakh in 2020–21 to ₹610.96 lakh in 2024–25, with officials stating that most of the funds were fully utilised.

JKACS currently operates 48 centres across Jammu and Kashmir, including 32 Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTCs), 2 State Reference Laboratories, 6 Opioid Substitution Therapy centres, 3 ART centres, and 5 STI clinics. More than 140 personnel—comprising counsellors, technicians, and nurses—are deployed across the Union Territory.

Officials as per Kashmir Convener also stated that direct budgetary support to JKACS increased from ₹82.55 lakh in 2019–20 to ₹205.20 lakh in 2024–25, covering awareness drives, treatment support, and NGO coordination.

Despite increased funding and expanded infrastructure, the RTI data indicate a persistent rise in HIV cases. Public health experts warn that this trend highlights the urgent need for stronger community outreach and targeted interventions for high-risk populations.