Bihar’s Sitamarhi district is witnessing a sharp rise in HIV cases, putting heavy strain on local health services.
Data from the ART Centre at the district hospital shows nearly 7,400 registered HIV-positive patients, including more than 400 children infected at birth. A video highlighting the surge has also gone viral on social media.
HIV Explosion in Sitamarhi(BIHAR): Over 7,400 Cases Reported, Including More Than 400 Children
3,544 Women And 2,733 men Infected; 40–60 New Cases Emerging Every Month#MedTwitter #Sitamarhi #Bihar pic.twitter.com/tRr3yiBK0w
— Abhishek Ranjan (@Abhishekrjn15au) December 11, 2025
Health officials say most child cases involve families where one or both parents are HIV-positive. Medical staff at the ART Centre call the spike alarming and blame it on poor public awareness.
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Dr. Haseen Akhtar, a medical officer at the centre, said awareness remains low despite repeated campaigns. He said 40 to 60 new cases are reported each month and that about 5,000 patients currently receive treatment. “Sitamarhi has now become a high-load HIV centre, which is extremely concerning,”.
Officials cite several reasons for the rise: marriages without health checks, migration for work, low understanding of HIV transmission, and reluctance to get tested due to stigma.
In response, the district administration is stepping up awareness drives. The ART Centre is planning community outreach programs, and health teams will conduct HIV testing camps in villages.
Experts warn that unless awareness, testing and prevention improve, Sitamarhi’s rising infections could worsen in the coming months.
