Carelessness Can Be Extremely Dangerous: Young People Must Not Fall Into Traps and Become Infected
Health Minister Veena George has urged the public to exercise extreme caution against HIV, warning that negligence can be extremely dangerous. She emphasized that young people should not fall into traps that could lead to infection.
According to statistics, among newly reported HIV-positive individuals, those aged between 15 and 24 accounted for 9% in 2022, 2% in 2023, and 14.2% in 2024. From April to October 2025 alone, this age group constituted 15.4% of new infections. Taking this trend into account, the Minister stressed the need to strengthen preventive activities among youth. She was speaking while inaugurating the state-level National Youth Day celebrations at Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium.
The Health Department is implementing targeted initiatives with the goal of making Kerala free from HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. The aim is to ensure a good quality of life for as long as people live. Many deadly diseases can be prevented through personal vigilance. Everyone should work towards a disease-free life and become ambassadors of health awareness. Kerala is moving towards the Wellness Mission to combat lifestyle diseases, focusing on regular exercise, healthy eating, adequate sleep, and the adoption of good health habits. Public participation in these efforts is essential.
Kerala is a state with comparatively low HIV prevalence. While the adult HIV prevalence rate in India is 0.20%, in Kerala it is only 0.07%.
However, despite the low prevalence, factors such as Keralites migrating to other states and countries for work and education, and increased migration of people from other states into Kerala, raise the risk of HIV transmission. During the financial year 2022–23, 1,183 new HIV infections were detected. This number rose to 1,263 in 2023–24, was 1,213 in 2024–25, and reached 819 between April and October 2025. Over the past three years, a total of 4,477 new HIV cases were reported, including 3,393 men, 1,065 women, and 19 transgender persons. Among them, 90 were pregnant women.
HIV is transmitted through four primary routes: engaging in unprotected sexual contact with an HIV-positive person; sharing unsterilized needles and syringes for drug use; receiving infected blood; and transmission from an HIV-positive mother to her child. These modes of transmission are highly dangerous.
Priority is being given to identifying individuals who may have been exposed to HIV and ensuring they undergo testing as early as possible so that necessary treatment can be provided. If HIV is detected early and treated properly, the virus can be suppressed to a level where it does not transmit to others. The Minister noted that the Kerala State AIDS Control Society, under the Health Department, is implementing various programs in the areas of HIV prevention, control, treatment, and care of affected individuals.
The event was chaired by Additional Chief Secretary of the Health Department, Dr. Rajan N. Khobragade. Additional Director Dr. K. Sakeena presented the report. District Panchayat President Priyadarshini Vishthathi attended as the chief guest. MY Bharat Director M. Anilkumar, Additional Directors Dr. N. Rajendran and Dr. Reetha KP, and District TB Officer Dr. Dhanuj V. E. also participated. Kerala State AIDS Control Society Project Director Dr. Piyush M delivered the welcome address, and District Medical Officer Dr. Bindu Mohan proposed the vote of thanks.
