There has been an increase in the HIV incidence (number of new HIV infections per year) in Gujarat, which is considered to be low prevalence state, in the last couple of years, according to latest HIV estimates made available by National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO).

"Some low prevalence states (which include Gujarat) have shown a slight increase in the number of new infections over the past two years," the NACO estimates said.

The HIV estimates by NACO said, "Of the 1.2 lakh estimated new infections in 2009, the six high prevalence states account for only 39 per cent of the cases, while Orissa, Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat account for 41 per cent of new infections."

A top official of state government's health department, while confirming to the increase in HIV incidence, said that it could be because of the migrant population that has been coming to Gujarat in search of work.

"We have come to know about the NACO data that said there was increase in HIV incidence in Gujarat and some other low prevalence states. This is bane of urbanisation where there is a huge migrant population," the official said on condition of anonymity.