65% rise in AIDS cases in Punjab over five years

Punjab has witnessed a 65% increase in AIDS cases over the past five years, according to a report presented in the Lok Sabha. Experts attribute this surge primarily to drug abuse in the region.

The report reveals that 2,45,939 AIDS cases were recorded between 2019-20 and 2023-24, with the numbers rising annually. Notably, women account for 30-35% of the total cases.

Additionally, the number of transgender individuals infected with HIV grew from 117 in 2019-20 to 186 in 2023-24, highlighting a concerning upward trend.