Halting an Epidemic
India has one of the largest HIV/AIDS populations in the world. People living with HIV represent all sectors of Indian society, but the disease hits four groups hardest: sex workers, their clients and partners, men who engage in risky sex with men, and injecting drug users.

To help address this challenge, the foundation established Avahan—a national HIV prevention initiative—in 2003. We’re working to expand access to effective prevention in the six states with India’s highest infection rates and along the nation’s major trucking routes.

To date, Avahan has committed $258 million. We work closely with the Indian government and the India National AIDS Control Organization.

Why India?

India's HIV/AIDS epidemic is unique and the country is at a critical crossroads. Click on the link below to learn more about the problem.

Meeting the Challenge

Avahan and its grantees are working to increase access to effective HIV prevention programs. Click on the link below to learn more about solutions.

Where in India

View a map of the six states where prevalence of HIV infection is highest among high-risk populations.

Avahan: The Story So Far

Learn more about Avahan's prevention efforts—its successes and lessons learned—in this series of publications.

Avahan Partners

Avahan works with a broad range of organizations to fight HIV/AIDS in India.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about Avahan and its work.