The shadow of HIV looms large over Bihar, where 13 districts have entered high-risk territory, led by Patna’s staggering case load. Tuesday’s legislative council session exposed the scale of the problem as nine members pressed for a robust state plan.
Infections are climbing fast, fueled by risky behaviors like unsafe intercourse and contaminated needles prevalent in drug circles. Youth vulnerability is a major worry. Beyond Patna, Muzaffarpur reports intense impact. Over 97,000 are in treatment across 32+ ART sites as of December 2025.
Preemptive steps include Holi-timed testing camps and new ART centers at five locations, including AIIMS Patna, elevating capacity past 34. Calls for real-time data persist amid dated district stats.
Government rebuttal emphasized pursuit of national benchmarks: 95% case detection, 95% on therapy, 99% suppression. High-risk focus drives testing and ART via expanded networks, with performance audits.
Free services thrive at 186 ICTCs. Community outreach via camps, mobiles, and targeted drives reaches deep. Migrant-focused initiatives peak during festivals at stations, stands, and hamlets. Holi sees 300 statewide camps running February 24-March 14.
Patna dominates with 8,270 patients; Gaya has 5,760, Muzaffarpur 5,520, Sitamarhi 5,026, Begusarai 4,716, Bhagalpur 3,078. Bihar’s total AIDS burden: 144,000.
Welfare aid via Bihar Shatabdi provides Rs 1,500 monthly to patients, Rs 1,000 to minor dependents. Fiscal 2025-26 disbursements hit Rs 63.81 crore by December.
Bihar’s fight against HIV demands unwavering resolve, blending prevention, treatment, and support to safeguard public health.