Shimla, August 12, 2026
Health and Family Welfare Minister Col. (Dr) Dhaniram Shandil on Wednesday called upon young people to actively participate in the fight against drug abuse and HIV, saying the youth are the biggest asset of any nation.
Speaking at a state-level programme organised at Hotel Peterhof on the occasion of International Youth Day, Shandil said Himachal Pradesh has made significant progress in its fight against HIV/AIDS. Three of the 15 districts in the country classified as “safe” are from Himachal Pradesh—Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti and Solan. Three other districts have also entered the “competent” category.
He said Himachal Pradesh has achieved the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets and is among the leading states in the country in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Awareness campaigns are being taken to villages across the state to educate people about HIV prevention, testing and treatment.
Highlighting the link between drug abuse and HIV transmission, Shandil said drug addiction has emerged as one of the biggest challenges facing young people. He said the state government has launched several initiatives to combat drug abuse and provide treatment to people affected by HIV/AIDS.
The minister said 17 Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) centres are currently functioning in the state, providing treatment to 1,023 patients. As many as 294 injecting drug users are also being treated in association with psychiatry departments of hospitals.
He said around 2.86 lakh families in 2,440 villages across five districts have been sensitised about HIV through nearly 1,000 ASHA workers. An “HIV-Free Himachal” pledge was administered in panchayats across the state on October 2, 2025, and around 25 lakh people have so far been covered under the campaign.
In prisons, around 11,000 inmates have been sensitised about HIV, while nearly 9,000 have undergone HIV testing, he added.
Shandil said the state was also strengthening healthcare infrastructure, including the availability of advanced medical equipment and robotic surgery in government hospitals.
“Healthy youth will build a healthy and strong nation,” he said, urging young people to ensure their active participation in the campaign against drugs and HIV and help realise the goal of an HIV- and drug-free Himachal Pradesh.
‘HIV should not be feared; awareness is the key’
Shimla MLA Harish Janartha said the fight against HIV was not merely against a virus but also against ignorance, fear, misconceptions, stigma and discrimination.
“Science and medicine have made effective testing, treatment and care for HIV available. Young people need not fear HIV; they need to have the right information about it,” he said.
19% HIV cases linked to needle sharing
Himachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society Project Director Rajeev Kumar said awareness campaigns were encouraging more people to come forward for HIV testing.
He said under the integrated STI, HIV, TB and Hepatitis B and C testing and treatment programme, new cases increased from 363 in 2021-22 to 1,000 in 2024-25, marking a 175% rise. During 2025-26, around 19% of HIV cases in the state were reported to be linked to sharing of needles.
Health Directorate Director Gopal Beri presented the vote of thanks and highlighted various health initiatives being implemented by the state government.
Third phase of IEC campaign launched
Shandil also launched the third phase of the Intensive Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign aimed at taking HIV awareness to villages across Himachal Pradesh.
The campaign will focus on prevention, timely testing and treatment, with special attention to areas where awareness and access to HIV-related services remain relatively low. Awareness activities will be organised in villages, schools and colleges, while outreach programmes will also be conducted in slum settlements and other vulnerable areas.
Local folk art and cultural programmes, Gram Sabha campaigns, Red Ribbon Clubs and Industrial Training Institutes will be used to spread the message of an “HIV-Free Himachal”. Car-bin bags, outdoor publicity, awareness camps, flash mobs and Red Run events will also form part of the campaign.
‘Swachh Himachal, Swasth Himachal’ car-bin campaign
The minister also launched the third phase of the car-bin bag campaign under the theme “Swachh Himachal – Swasth Himachal”. The initiative seeks to combine the message of cleanliness with HIV awareness.
During the previous phase, 10,255 car-bin bags were distributed across the state. The bags carry information on HIV prevention, testing and treatment and aim to counter misconceptions surrounding the disease.
Students of Sanjauli College presented a street play on HIV awareness, while artists from Churdhar Mandal delivered awareness messages through folk songs. Students of RKMV created a rangoli carrying the HIV awareness message.
Representatives of Sanjauli College, RKMV, Kotshara, Shivalik Nursing College, St Bede’s College, ITI Chaura Maidan and self-help groups were also honoured during the programme. A health exhibition and free medical camp were organised on the occasion.
