Every year, December 1st – World AIDS Day – reminds us how far we’ve come in the fight
against HIV/AIDS… and how far we still have to go.

Despite decades of awareness, HIV infections are rising again in several regions, including
India. Changing lifestyles, increased recreational drug use, and unsafe sexual practices are major
contributors to this surge.

At Alverstone Drug House & Medicity, we use this day to raise stronger awareness and
encourage communities to take responsibility for their health and choices.

Why Are HIV Cases Increasing Again?
 

While treatment has improved dramatically over the last two decades, certain behavioural and social factors are contributing to a new spike in HIV cases:
 

1. Unprotected Sexual Practices

• Higher rates of casual and premarital sexual activity
• Inconsistent or no condom use
• Increased use of dating apps leading to multiple partners
• Lack of sexual education among young adults

Unprotected sex remains the leading cause of HIV transmission in India.
 

2. Rising Drug Use – Especially Injectables

Many people do not test themselves due to:

• Easy availability of injectable drugs
• Rising substance abuse among youth
• Peer pressure and stress coping mechanisms
• Lack of supervised rehabilitation services

Needle-sharing is one of the fastest ways HIV spreads.

3. Low Testing Rates & Late Diagnosis

Many people do not test themselves due to:

• Stigma and shame
• Fear of being judged
• Lack of awareness
• Overconfidence (“It won’t happen to me” mindset)

Late diagnosis leads to more unintentional spread and worsens health outcomes.
 

4. Myths, Stigma & Silence

Social stigma forces individuals to hide their risk behaviours.

This silence fuels further transmission.

Breaking stigma is essential.
 

How HIV Spreads – And the Behaviours Increasing Risk Today

HIV spreads through:

• Unprotected sex
• Sharing needles
• From mother to child
• Infected blood transfusion

Risk is highest among:

• Individuals with multiple sexual partners
• Drug users sharing needles
• People who engage in unprotected sex under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Those unaware of their HIV status

Prevention is Now More Important Than Ever
 

1. Practice Safe Sex

• Use condoms every time
• Get regular STI screening
• Discuss sexual health with partners

2. Avoid Drug Use, Especially Injectables

• Seek de-addiction support
• Never share needles or syringes
• Encourage harm-reduction programs in communities

3. Regular HIV Testing

Especially important if you:

• Have had unprotected sex
• Share needles
• Have multiple partners
• Are pregnant
• Are on high-risk medications

4. Early Treatment Saves Lives

Timely antiretroviral therapy (ART) keeps the viral load low and prevents transmission.

The Role of Alverstone Drug House & Medicity

We are committed to:

• Educating communities on safe practices
• Supporting de-addiction therapies
• Encouraging confidential and stigma-free testing
• Creating awareness through public health programs

We believe that healthcare must be accessible, affordable, and judgement-free.

A Growing Issue Needs Growing Awareness

HIV is not just a medical issue—it’s a societal one.

The current rise in cases is a reminder that complacency is dangerous.

This World AIDS Day, Alverstone Drug House & Medicity urges:

• Young people to make informed choices
• Families to have open conversations
• Communities to support those at risk
• Everyone to get tested at least once

The power to reverse the rising trend lies in awareness, responsibility, and compassion.

A Message of Hope

With modern medicine, HIV is treatable, preventable, and manageable.

But prevention begins with you.

Let us work together—

to protect ourselves,

support each other,

and build an HIV-free future.