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Sociological Effect of AIDS in India

HIV/AIDS is emerging as a major health concern in India, one of the most populous nations. It has been estimated that 2.3 million Indians today are living with HIV/AIDS, and the epidemic has spread to all parts of society.

  1. Initial Cases

    • The first cases of HIV disease in India were seen among sex workers who had had contact with foreign visitors in 1986. HIV infection was soon thereafter found among users of injection drugs.

    Spread

    • HIV was found to be widespread in Indian society and in every state of the country by the 1990s, and the number of infections reached into the millions by the year 2000.

    Impact

    • The majority of people in India who contract HIV are between the ages of 15 and 44. This means that there is a growing drain on India's work force due to HIV infection.

    Sex Trade

    • There is a strong relationship among sex workers, truck drivers (this industry employs many Indian men) and their wives in HIV transmission in India. Truck drivers who commonly have sex with prostitutes are contributing to the spread of HIV among married women.

    MSM

    • Men who have sex with men make up a smaller percentage of infections in India than in the United States or other countries. However, this population can be difficult to reach with educational materials because of a strong stigma on sex between men in Indian society.

    Response

    • The Indian government has responded to the HIV/AIDS epidemic within its borders with national organizations to carry out testing, education and prevention efforts.

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