Progress and challenges towards eliminating vertical transmission of HIV in India

India has intensified efforts towards elimination of vertical transmission of HIV (EVTH) as part of National AIDS and STD Control Programme-V (NACP-V). We present the progress in achieving NACP-V's EVTH goal as of year 2023-24. We analysed the 2023 state level data using Spectrum model in 2023 to measure the coverage of anti-retroviral treatment among pregnant women, annual paediatric HIV case incidence rate and final vertical transmission rate. UNAIDS and WHO definitions for these indicators were used. In 2023, around 2350 new paediatric infections were estimated by vertical transmission. However, 44% of these transmissions resulted from incident HIV infections among pregnant and breastfeeding women. Overall, paediatric HIV incidence per 100,000 live births decreased from 25.2 (14.7-46.6) in 2019 to 10.4 (6.1-19.3) in 2023. During the same reference period, final vertical transmission rate (inclusive of breastfeeding period) decreased from 25.28% (17.06-37.99) in 2019 to 11.75% (7.93-17.66) in 2023. The 2023 India HIV estimates, using recent data and global modelling tools, highlighted progress in eliminating vertical transmission of HIV. Early identification of HIV-positive mothers and starting them on lifelong ART is crucial. Additionally, generating local evidence is needed on interventions like safe practices, repeat testing, and feeding practices to inform policy decisions.