In a shocking development, 477 new HIV cases have been reported from Sushila Tiwari Government Hospital in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, between January 2024 and March 2025. Out of these, 43 cases were reported in March 2025 alone, causing serious concern for the health department and the public.
What Doctors Are Saying
Dr. Vaibhav Kumar, from the Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) Center at the hospital, said:
“This is very serious. We are getting at least three new HIV-positive patients every day.”
He added that many of the patients are women and children. Some children were born with the infection because their mothers were already HIV-positive and didn’t get proper treatment during pregnancy.
“Many women didn’t get tested or treated on time, so their children got infected at birth,” Dr. Kumar explained.
Main Reasons Behind the Rise
Health experts say that drug use and unsafe sexual activities are the main reasons for the increase in HIV cases.
Dr. Kumar said:
“Drug addiction is a major issue. Many people share injections, which spreads the virus quickly. And many of them avoid getting tested or seeking help.”
23 Inmates Found HIV-Positive in Jail
The report also mentions that 23 inmates in Haldwani jail have tested HIV-positive. It started when one inmate asked for medical help, and during testing, more positive cases were found.
An official said:
“Some prisoners already had symptoms, but they didn’t tell anyone until the testing was done.”
A Wake-Up Call for Everyone
This rising number is a serious warning for the health system and agencies working on AIDS control. Experts say that if action is not taken immediately, the situation could become worse.
The health department is planning:
- Awareness campaigns
- Sex education in schools and colleges
- More support for drug de-addiction programs
Final Note
These 477 HIV cases show that this is not just a medical issue—it’s a social challenge too. Until people avoid drug abuse and start following safe sexual practices, the spread of HIV cannot be stopped. It’s time for both the government and society to work together and face this crisis head-on.
