5% HIV positivity rate among LGBTQ+ individuals in Mumbai that use dating apps

To lower HIV risk, MDACS has 44 integrated counselling and testing Centers (ICTCs) in Mumbai.

The Mumbai District AIDS Control Society (MDACS) has reported that 5.19% of LGBTQ+ individuals on dating apps are HIV positive. These results come from a project that involved testing 770 people who use dating apps. From these, 40 tested positive, and many were unaware of their infection.

To lower HIV risk, MDACS started a project two years ago aimed at dating app users. Through dating platforms, they have been reaching out to people, educating users about HIV, and encouraging them to get tested.

MDACS has 44 Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTCs) in Mumbai. These centers offer testing without long wait times and with privacy. MDACS’ Shakti Clinics also offer free HIV testing services. The agency also has a toll-free number, 1097, for HIV-related help.

On March 11, MDACS also flagged off three vehicles to help reach its goal of 95-95-95. This goal focuses on diagnosing 95% of HIV patients, starting antiretroviral therapy for 95% of those diagnosed, and making sure that 95% of those on therapy achieve viral suppression.

In the fiscal year 2022-2023, a total of 455,779 people in Mumbai were tested for HIV, with a positivity rate of 0.7%. In Maharashtra, 4,215,784 people were tested during the same period, with a positivity rate of 0.34%.

MDACS was established by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on July 27, 1998, to control and prevent HIV/AIDS in the city. HIV has affected nearly 6,000 families in Mumbai, according to 2023 reports. Of these, 29% of couples do not follow their prescribed treatment plans.