South Asia - Revised Estimates of HIV numbers in India

HIV/AIDS in South Asia

Approximately 2 - 3.5 million people in South Asia are living with HIV and AIDS. In India alone more than 1.75 - 3.15 million people are estimated to be living with HIV and AIDS. In June 2007, this figure has been revised by the India’s National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) from the previous estimated figure of 5.7 million.

The new 2006 estimates indicate that national adult HIV prevalence in India is approximately 0.36%. Although overall prevalence remains low, even relatively small increases in HIV infection rates in a country of more than one billion people could translate into large numbers of people becoming infected.

In other countries in the region, such as Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, HIV prevalence is low among the general population but significantly higher among those who engage in high-risk behaviors, such as injecting drugs with contaminated needles and engaging in the selling and buying of sex.

Analysis on Revised HIV Estimates in India

Mariam Claeson, Program Coordinator for South Asia HIV/AIDS, talks about recently revised HIV estimates in India.

Mariam Claeson, AIDS Coordinator for South Asia

- India's HIV estimates were revised recently. Why such a big difference?
- What does this new data tell us?
- Given the significant change in the numbers, how valid are the HIV estimates for the other South Asian countries?
- How does the revised estimates affect World Bank's role in India's HIV and AIDS program?
- More broadly, how would you assess the progress South Asian countries are making in the fight against HIV and AIDS?
- See the full interview (7m:09s) Windows Media

Additional Resources

- HIV/AIDS in South Asia: Understanding and Responding
This review was undertaken to provide a basis for rigorous, evidence-based HIV policy and programming in South Asia. (Read More »)

- India's 3rd National AIDS Control Project
The World Bank is helping India to curb the spread and mitigate the impact of HIV and AIDS in the country. (Read More »)

- South Asia: Development Data
A wide range of social and economic measures on South Asia, including links to the World Bank's most important online development databases. (Read More »)

- South Asia: Analysis and Research
Compilation of all the World Bank's publications on South Asia, with 'search' options and links to analysis and research on other South Asian countries. (Read More »)

- World Bank Program in South Asia
Launching pad to all information on World Bank activities in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.(Read More »)