A alarming rise in HIV cases is gripping Bihar, with 13 districts now classified as high-risk zones. The state capital, Patna, leads with the highest number of infections, raising serious public health concerns.
This crisis came to light during a pointed discussion in the Bihar Legislative Council on Tuesday. Nine members of the legislative council raised attention motions, demanding a clear government statement on effective prevention and treatment strategies. They highlighted the rapid escalation of HIV infections across the state.
Among the high-risk districts, Muzaffarpur follows closely after Patna in terms of severity. As of December 2025, over 97,000 individuals are receiving treatment at more than 32 Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) centers statewide. The legislators pointed to unsafe sexual practices and the sharing of drug injection needles as primary transmission routes, particularly among the youth.
In response to the growing numbers, the government announced special screening camps ahead of Holi and plans to open five new ART centers at AIIMS Patna, IGIMS Patna, NMCH, and others, increasing the total to over 34. However, outdated data from some districts underscores the need for fresher statistics.
The state government assured comprehensive efforts aligned with the national 95:95:99 targets set by the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) and the Ministry of Health. These include widespread testing, prompt treatment for high-risk groups, and regular evaluations. Free counseling and testing are available at 186 Integrated Counseling and Testing Centers (ICTCs) across health facilities.
Community-level initiatives feature special screening drives, health camps, and mobile teams. During festivals, focus shifts to migrant workers at railway stations, bus stands, and identified villages. For Holi, 300 camps will operate statewide from February 24 to March 14, targeting returning migrants.
District-wise figures paint a stark picture: Patna reports 8,270 AIDS patients, Gaya 5,760, Muzaffarpur 5,520, Sitamarhi 5,026, Begusarai 4,716, and Bhagalpur 3,078. Overall, 144,000 people in Bihar are living with AIDS.
Financial support is also in place through the Bihar Shatabdi AIDS Affected Welfare Scheme by the Social Welfare Department. HIV-positive individuals receive Rs 1,500 monthly, with Rs 1,000 each for up to two dependent children under 18. By December 2025, Rs 63.81 crore has been directly transferred for the 2025-26 fiscal year.
As Bihar battles this epidemic, sustained vigilance, updated data, and expanded infrastructure remain crucial to curb the spread and support those affected.