Nation Records Significant Jump in New HIV Cases

The country has recorded the highest year-on-year increase in new HIV cases in more than two decades, according to a newly released report, sparking serious public health concerns. A total of 1,891 new HIV infections were reported between November last year and October this year—453 more cases than the previous year.

This sharp rise occurred despite a decline of nearly 200,000 HIV tests compared to the preceding year, as outlined in the HIV/AIDS Situation Report 2025 published yesterday. During the same period, 254 deaths related to HIV were reported, down from 326 deaths the year before.

The National AIDS/STD Control Programme of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) revealed the data at an event held at the National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital auditorium to mark World AIDS Day. Experts and officials emphasized the urgent need to expand HIV testing and treatment services, strengthen coordination between government agencies and community-led organizations, and increase community-level awareness about HIV.

HIV weakens the body's immune system, making it more vulnerable to infections and diseases. Without treatment, it can progress to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Bangladesh detected its first HIV case in 1989. As of this year, the total number of HIV-positive cases stands at 14,313, with 2,666 deaths recorded. Health officials estimate that about 18 percent of people potentially living with HIV are still unaware of their status, with estimated infections reaching 17,480.

The latest data shows that 14.21 lakh (1.421 million) people underwent HIV testing in the past year—down from 16.12 lakh (1.612 million) in the previous year. Additionally, 10.72 lakh people were tested as part of routine health screenings, up slightly from 10.34 lakh the year before.

A DGHS official noted that a drop in testing among migrant workers—from 13.05 lakh to 10.11 lakh—was the main contributor to the overall decline in testing numbers.

Of the people tested, 1,891 new HIV cases were identified, including 217 Rohingya individuals. The previous highest year-on-year rise was 329 cases between 2022 and 2023.

When asked about the reasons behind the rise, Zubaida Nasreen, Deputy Director of the National AIDS/STD Control Programme, said increased testing among key populations was a significant factor. Key populations include people who inject drugs, female and male sex workers, and transgender individuals.

According to the report, 1.17 lakh members of key populations were tested from November to October, up from 96,922 the previous year.

Officials also mentioned that the expiration of a government programme in June last year disrupted preventive services such as the distribution of condoms, needles, and syringes among key populations. Although Zubaida acknowledged these disruptions, she cautioned that the increase in cases cannot be directly attributed to this alone and highlighted the need for further research.

Among the newly reported cases:

• 56% were from key populations
• 12% were migrants
• 11% were Rohingyas
• The remainder were from the general population

Gender distribution showed 81% male, 18% female, and 1% Hijra individuals. In terms of marital status, 52% were married, 42% single, and the rest were widowed, divorced, or separated. The majority of cases—63%—fell within the 25–49 age group, followed by 21% in the 20–24 bracket.

The data also shows a decline in the proportion of HIV-positive individuals receiving treatment—from 78% to 74%. A DGHS official attributed this drop to a rise in “lost to follow-up” cases, referring to individuals who stop taking their medication for more than three consecutive months.

The report further highlights that 82% of potential HIV-positive individuals were aware of their status, and 91% of those receiving treatment achieved viral suppression.