Overview

In this World AIDS Day 2025 special, Infectious Disease Specialist Dr Kirti Sabnis breaks down the myths, stigma, and ongoing challenges surrounding HIV. She explains how early diagnosis, modern treatments, awareness, and compassionate healthcare can help build a stigma-free society for people living with HIV.

With over 13 years of clinical, academic, and research experience, Dr Sabnis has been associated with Fortis Hospitals since 2015, where she leads infection control and manages complex infectious diseases. Trained at CMC Vellore, she specialises in infectious disease management, antimicrobial stewardship, and infection prevention.

📌 In this video, Dr Sabnis discusses:

✔ What fuels HIV stigma even today

✔ Advances in HIV treatment & prevention

✔ Why awareness and early testing matter

✔ How communities and healthcare systems can support PLHIV

✔ Steps we can take to build an inclusive, informed society

🌍 World AIDS Day reminds us: Ending stigma is just as important as ending the virus.

Speakers

Dr Kirti Sabnis

Dr Kirti Sabnis is an accomplished Infectious Disease Specialist with more than 13 years of clinical, academic, and research experience. She has been associated with Fortis Hospitals since 2015, where she plays a key role in managing complex infections, driving infection control practices, and guiding multidisciplinary teams in patient care. She began her career at the Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore—one of India’s leading institutions for infectious diseases—where she served as a Postdoctoral Fellow and later as Assistant Professor in the Department of Infectious Diseases. Dr. Sabnis holds a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Infectious Diseases, a DNB in Internal Medicine from Bangalore Baptist Hospital, and an MBBS from D.Y. Patil Educational Society, Kolhapur. Her areas of expertise include infectious disease management, antimicrobial stewardship, and infection prevention. Recognised for her commitment to evidence-based medicine and patient-centric care, Dr. Sabnis continues to contribute significantly to strengthening infectious disease practices within the healthcare ecosystem.