Know AIDS, No AIDS: Delhi govt launches 2-month HIV awareness drive targeting youth

The Delhi government has stepped up its HIV awareness, prevention, testing and treatment drive, with a two-month campaign across urban and rural parts of the city aimed mainly at young people, communities, schools and colleges. Officials said on Thursday that the campaign, being run by the Delhi State AIDS Control Society, will be carried out under the message "Know AIDS -- No AIDS".Health Minister Pankaj Singh said HIV awareness is not only a health issue but also a matter of social responsibility. He said the campaign is meant to improve access to correct information, timely testing, treatment and support, while also addressing stigma and discrimination faced by people living with HIV.The campaign was launched on International Youth Day at Dr BSA Hospital in Rohini, where more than 600 students, NGOs, partner organisations and community stakeholders took part. An awareness rally was also organised.In a statement, Singh said, "We must remove the myths and misconceptions surrounding HIV and ensure that no person living with HIV faces discrimination because of their condition," adding that HIV awareness is also a matter of social responsibility. He said young people have a critical role in building a well-informed and responsible society, and urged students, educational institutions, healthcare professionals, civil society organisations and community representatives to join the campaign and spread scientifically accurate information on HIV prevention and treatment.The campaign will focus on HIV transmission and prevention, early testing and treatment, and the rights and protections available to people living with HIV under the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017. As part of the drive, awareness meetings will be held in villages, colonies and slums, along with folk performances, school and college outreach programmes, flash mobs, awareness rallies, door-to-door campaigns, HIV awareness and testing camps, and digital and social media outreach.The government said the campaign will also include intensified case finding, community-based HIV screening, mobile testing initiatives and integrated health camps. Singh said, "Our focus is to take HIV awareness beyond hospitals and healthcare centres and into communities, educational institutions and households. Early testing and timely treatment can make a significant difference."He added, "At the same time, we need to create an environment where people feel safe to seek testing and treatment without fear of stigma or discrimination."According to the government, 14.29 lakh HIV tests were conducted in Delhi during 2025-26 under the National AIDS and STD Control Programme, leading to 5,570 HIV detections. At present, 44,546 people living with HIV/AIDS are under active care at 12 antiretroviral treatment centres in Delhi, while 92.13 per cent of mapped high-risk groups are being covered through targeted interventions. Delhi also has 87 Red Ribbon Clubs in colleges, and Sampoorna Suraksha Kendras have been set up to strengthen HIV-related services.The Delhi government is also providing financial assistance to eligible people living with HIV through a dedicated scheme implemented by the Delhi State AIDS Control Society. So far, 8,047 beneficiaries have been enrolled under the scheme, including people living with HIV/AIDS, children living with HIV, and orphaned or destitute children affected or infected by HIV/AIDS.- EndsPublished By: India Today Web Desk Published On: Aug 13, 2026 21:42 IST