India Advances HIV Testing Amid Persistent Stigma and Expanding Diagnostics

India’s HIV testing ecosystem is undergoing significant change as accessible diagnostics, digital tools, and stigma-reduction efforts gain momentum. The biggest barrier is not lack of awareness but the deep-rooted fear and discrimination that deter people from seeking timely testing. She stresses the need for decentralised, community-focused services integrated into routine primary care to encourage early diagnosis and proactive health management.

Diagnostic innovation over the past four decades—including point-of-care devices and minimally invasive sampling—has strengthened HIV prevention and treatment, even in remote regions. More than 500 ART centres now support comprehensive care under India’s ‘test and treat’ strategy. Advanced molecular testing, such as viral load monitoring, remains vital after diagnosis.

However, stigma continues to hinder progress, often resulting in discrimination across workplaces, healthcare, and educational settings. Greater awareness of the HIV/AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017, along with digital integration and confidential testing, will shape the future of HIV diagnostics in India.

01-12-2025