Alarming Rise in HIV Cases in Sitamarhi Confirmed by Official Data

New Delhi, December 11, 2025: A viral video and subsequent media reports highlighting an alarming surge in HIV positive cases in the Sitamarhi district of Bihar have sparked widespread public concern and drawn intense scrutiny to the region’s public health infrastructure. Official data released by the district’s Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) Centre confirms that the cumulative number of registered HIV cases has risen sharply, leading to the center being designated a “high-load center” within the state.

The Shocking Data Is Revealed

Media reports, referencing official health records, indicate that a total of approximately 7,400 to 8,000 HIV-positive patients have been registered in the district’s ART Center since its inception in 2012. Furthermore, health officials confirm that an average of 40 to 60 new cases are being registered every month, confirming the upward trend. The overall patient count is considered extremely high, positioning the district as a significant area of concern for the Bihar health department.

The most distressing element of the reports is the confirmed infection among minors: over 400 children under the age of 18 are currently recorded as HIV-positive. It has been officially stated that in most of these pediatric cases, the infection was transmitted from the parents.

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Lack of Awareness Is Cited as Key Factor

The dramatic increase in cases is being primarily attributed to significant socio-economic factors unique to the region. The high rate of migration of male laborers to urban and industrial centers in other states (such as Delhi and Mumbai) has been cited by medical officers as a major contributor to the spread of the infection. The virus is often transmitted to the migrant workers outside the state and subsequently brought back to their families in the rural district.

A severe lack of awareness about HIV/AIDS transmission, prevention, and treatment within both rural and urban areas has also been highlighted as a critical issue by health officials. The continued prevalence of social stigma and discrimination against HIV patients is also believed to be hindering early testing and treatment seeking behavior.

Treatment and Awareness Drives Are Initiated

Despite the alarming statistics, it has been confirmed that life-saving medication is being provided to thousands of patients. Around 5,000 active patients are regularly supplied with free ARV medicines from the Sitamarhi ART Center. Furthermore, financial support is being provided to the most vulnerable patients through state-sponsored welfare schemes like the Bihar Shatabdi AIDS Patient Welfare Scheme.

In response to the viral attention and the concerning data, the district administration has reportedly taken a decision to intensify awareness campaigns across villages and initiate plans for mass HIV testing camps. The media has been urged by health authorities to assist in disseminating accurate information about transmission and emphasizing the need to eliminate discrimination against those living with HIV.