In News:

World AIDS Day is observed annually on December 1 since 1988 to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and demonstrate solidarity with affected individuals. It commemorates lives lost to AIDS and highlights progress and ongoing challenges in prevention, treatment, and care.

Key Highlights:

• 2024 Theme: "Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right!"
  • Focuses on healthcare access, human rights, and addressing systemic inequalities in HIV prevention and treatment services.
  • Aims to empower individuals to manage their health and reduce stigma.
  • Advocates for inclusivity and global cooperation to eradicate AIDS.

Global and National Perspective on HIV/AIDS

• Global Progress:
  • According to UNAIDS Global AIDS Update 2023, significant strides have been made globally in reducing new HIV infections and improving treatment access.
  • India has been acknowledged for its robust legal framework and financial investments in HIV control.
• India's HIV Statistics:
  • Over 2.5 million people live with HIV in India.
  • Annual new infections: 66,400, a 44% reduction since 2010.
  • HIV prevalence among adults is 0.2%.
  • Free lifelong treatment is provided to over 16 lakh people at 725 ART centers (as of 2023).

India’s Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Response

• Early Initiatives:
  • India’s response to HIV/AIDS began in 1985 with sero-surveillance and blood safety measures.
  • The National AIDS and STD Control Programme (NACP) was launched in 1992, evolving into one of the world’s largest HIV/AIDS control programs.
• Evolution of NACP:
  • Phase I (1992-1999): Focused on awareness and blood safety.
  • Phase II (1999-2007): Introduced direct interventions in prevention, detection, and treatment.
  • Phase III (2007-2012): Expanded decentralized management at the district level.
  • Phase IV (2012-2017): Increased funding and sustainability of interventions.
  • Phase IV Extended (2017-2021): Passage of the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017; introduction of the ‘Test and Treat’ policy; and response to the COVID-19 pandemic with IT innovations.
• NACP Phase V (2021-2026):
  • Central Sector Scheme with an outlay of Rs. 15,471.94 crore.
  • Goals: Reduce new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths by 80% by 2025-26 from 2010 levels.
  • Eliminate vertical transmission of HIV and syphilis, reduce stigma, and ensure universal access to STI/RTI services for vulnerable populations.
  • Key strategies include community-centered approaches, technology integration, gender-sensitive responses, and public-private sector partnerships.

Key Objectives of NACP Phase V

• Prevention & Control:
  • Ensure 95% of high-risk individuals access prevention services.
  • Achieve the 95-95-95 targets: 95% of HIV-positive individuals know their status, are on treatment, and achieve viral suppression.
  • Eliminate vertical transmission of HIV and syphilis.
  • Reduce stigma and discrimination to less than 10%.
• STI/RTI Prevention:
  • Universal access to high-quality services for at-risk populations.