AP leads Nation in HIV control

Andhra Pradesh SACS tops NACO rankings

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Andhra Pradesh has emerged as the top-performing state in controlling HIV spread and delivering quality care to affected individuals, with the Andhra Pradesh State AIDS Control Society (APSACS) securing first rank nationally for its performance in 2025-26. State Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav announced that the recognition comes from the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), which evaluated states based on performance indicators between April and December 2025.

According to official data, APSACS scored 107 out of 141 points, amounting to 75.9%, across 33 key indicators, placing it ahead of all other states. The achievement marks a sharp turnaround for Andhra Pradesh, which stood seventh during the same period in 2024-25 and slipped to 12th place by the end of that financial year. The latest rankings reflect consistent improvement, with the state performing strongly across all three quarters of the current fiscal.

Health authorities attribute this progress to a structured and aggressive strategy adopted from 2025-26 onward. APSACS ranked second in the first quarter (April–June) and climbed to first position in both the second (July–September) and third (October–December) quarters, resulting in a cumulative top ranking for the nine-month period.

A key highlight of the programme has been targeted HIV testing among vulnerable populations. The state has placed special emphasis on screening inmates in central, district, and sub-jails, as well as individuals in orphanages, juvenile homes, and among trafficked women. APSACS achieved 100% targets in these categories, according to NACO.

Further, the state has effectively coordinated with 36 non-governmental organisations working with high-risk groups and strengthened de-addiction services for injectable drug users. Monitoring systems at district-level surveillance centres have also contributed to improved outcomes.

Notably, Andhra Pradesh has recorded a 76.9% reduction in HIV transmission rates between 2010 and 2025, significantly higher than the national average decline of 48%. Officials say this sustained, data-driven approach has positioned the state as a model for HIV prevention and care in India.