Minister of Health and Family Welfare Ghulam Nabi Azad said that the number of new HIV cases in the country is increasing, with 60,000 new cases reported in the first three months of this year (Jan-Mar 2010).

The minister informed, "A total of 299,513 HIV positive persons were identified during 2009 and 59,447 have been identified between January to March 2010."

Out of the 59,447 cases reported, Karnataka registered the highest number, which stood at 13,243, followed by Andhra Pradesh at 13,212.

During the last year, Andhra Pradesh was on the top with 65,748 cases.

"Estimated number of persons living with HIV has reduced over the years, from 27.3 lakh in 2002 to 22.7 lakh in 2008," the minister said. (With Inputs from Agencies)