Home / Health / Punjab's HIV Crisis: IV Drug Use Surges
Punjab's HIV Crisis: IV Drug Use Surges
13 Aug
Summary
- IV drug use surpasses unprotected sex in HIV transmission in Punjab.
- 56% of new HIV infections in Punjab are from contaminated syringes.
- Punjab reports over 12,000 HIV cases annually, rising each year.
Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh has initiated the Intensified Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Campaign 3.0, running from August 12 to October 12, to address the escalating issue of intravenous drug use among Punjab's youth and its link to HIV transmission. He expressed grave concern, noting a reversal of trends where syringe sharing now accounts for more HIV transmissions than unprotected sex in several districts.
According to a May report by NACO, 56% of newly detected HIV-positive cases in Punjab are linked to injecting drug users sharing contaminated syringes. Heterosexual contact accounts for 17% of new infections. The state recorded 12,435 HIV cases in 2024-25, with this number increasing to 14,525 in 2025-26, partly due to expanded screening efforts.
The Punjab government is intensifying awareness campaigns and promoting the use of fresh syringes among drug users. To improve access to care, antiretroviral therapy (ART) centers have been mapped on Google Maps. Authorities urge the public to shun stigma associated with HIV and not discriminate against those living with the virus.
