HIV/AIDS cases rise among young in Kerala amidst migration and new risk factors

Thiruvananthapuram: The state recorded 1,213 new HIV infections last year, bringing the total number of people living with HIV in Kerala to 23,608, according to the latest health data. Health officials have raised concerns over the sharp rise in new infections among people aged 15 to 24. In 2022–23, this age group accounted for 9% of new cases, but from April to October 2025 alone, the share jumped to 15.4%.

Experts attribute the trend partly to the increasing migration of Malayalis to other states and countries for work and education, as well as the growing influx of workers from other states into Kerala, which has heightened the risk of HIV transmission. In the past three years, 4,477 people in the state have been newly diagnosed with HIV, including 3,393 men, 1,065 women and 19 transgender individuals. Data shows that 62.6% of infections were caused by unprotected sex with multiple partners, 24.6% through homosexual intercourse, and 8.1% through needle-sharing drug use.