New Delhi, November 24, 2016: Government of India is committed to eliminating AIDS in consonance with UN Sustainable Development Goals and UNAIDS strategy to eliminate AIDS as a public health problem by 2030. However, HIV virus causing AIDS cannot be eradicated entirely from the country.
National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) which was launched in the year 1994 to address epidemic of HIV/AIDS in the country has achieved remarkable success in addressing the issue. The adult sero-prevalence has declined from 0.38% in 2001-03 to 0.26% currently. The number of AIDS related deaths has been reduced by 54% from 2007 to 20015. As on Oct.,2016, 21,406 and 1,636 Integrated Counselling & Testing Centres (ICTC) and Anti-Retroviral Treatment (ART) centres respectively have been established in the country. There are 12.2 Lakhs PLHIV in active care, out of which 9.97 lakhs are on ART.
In addition, the programme is focusing on elimination of mother to child transmission of HIV and all pregnant women are being offered services for HIV testing and preventive therapy to those who are HIV positive. Early infant diagnosis of HIV and subsequent linking of positive children to HIV care continuum is an essential strategy.
As a part of its commitment to reach 90-90-90 targets by 2020, HIV counselling and testing guidelines for community based testing and lay provider testing have been finalized to reach out to those currently not knowing their HIV status.
HIV/AIDS epidemic in country is driven through key populations and as on date 1502 Targeted Interventions programme provides services to these key populations (female sex workers, men having sex with men, Transgender and injecting drug users). The programme is also addressing sexually transmitted infections and reproductive tract infection through syndromic case management and has established 1164 dedicated facilities for the same.
The programme is also promoting safe blood transfusion to prevent HIV and other infections transmittable through blood and about 80% of blood collected is through voluntary blood donation.
In addition to increase levels of awareness among general and key populations and to create demand for services, multimedia campaigns are planned on mass media supported by outdoor media such as hoardings, bus panels, information kiosks, folk performances and exhibition vans to create awareness on HIV/AIDS and promoting services/facilities across the country. At the inter-personal level, training and sensitization programmes for Self-Help Groups, Anganwadi workers, ASHA, members of Panchayati Raj Institutions and other key stakeholders are also planned to spread awareness about treatment and other facilities.
The Minister of State (Health and Family Welfare), Sh Faggan Singh Kulaste stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha here today.
