Anupriya Patel, the Union Minister of State for Health, recently revealed that India has experienced a 44% reduction in new HIV infections annually since 2010, surpassing the global decline rate of 39%. in the UN, she discussed her accomplishment in a high-level side session called “Revitalized Multilateralism: Recommitting to Ending AIDS Together.” The event, which was organized by PEPFAR (the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief), the Global Fund, and UNAIDS, brought attention to international efforts to combat HIV/AIDS.
Ms. Patel underlined India’s dedication to accomplishing the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of the UN, which is to eradicate HIV/AIDS as a hazard to public health by 2030. She reviewed the main tactics and developments in India’s fight against the pandemic, such as the introduction of the National AIDS and STD Control Programme’s fifth phase (2021–2026), which has full government funding.
The “India HIV Estimations 2023” research states that more than 2.5 million Indians are HIV positive. Nonetheless, considerable efforts have reduced the adult HIV prevalence to 0.2%. The number of new HIV infections annually is estimated to be 66,400, indicating a significant decrease in infections over the last ten years. Ms. Patel noted that because of programs focused on treatment, prevention, and awareness, India has come a long way in combating HIV.
Raising awareness and eradicating HIV stigma have been greatly aided by a number of youth-focused programs, including the annual RED RUN Marathon and Red Ribbon Clubs in educational institutions. Furthermore, every year, the Indian healthcare system performs more than 30 million free HIV tests, providing thorough testing for both HIV and syphilis to all expectant mothers.
Giving more than 1.7 million HIV-positive individuals free antiretroviral medication (ART) is a key component of India’s HIV strategy. This has made it possible for everyone who needs treatment to get it through the public healthcare system. Furthermore, with over 70% of the world’s supply of antiretroviral medications produced there, India is a major contributor to the worldwide effort to combat HIV/AIDS.
The HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act of 2017, which requires the appointment of ombudsmen in every Indian state to handle complaints and advance HIV prevention measures, was another accomplishment highlighted by Ms. Patel.
India’s response to HIV/AIDS has been further reinforced by its integrated approach to managing co-morbidities, which includes viral hepatitis, TB, and non-communicable diseases. This has benefited HIV positive individuals throughout the nation.
SOURCE :
THE HINDU
