New Delhi, Nov 30: Ahead of World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1, the Government of India highlighted major achievements and ongoing efforts in the country’s HIV/AIDS response. The theme for 2025, “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response,” underscores the need for resilient and community-led health systems amid global disruptions.
Officials noted that India’s HIV/AIDS control programme is recognised globally as a success story, built on strong policy frameworks such as the HIV/AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017, which prohibits discrimination and protects the rights of people living with HIV (PLHIV).
The National AIDS and STD Control Programme (NACP), launched in the early 1990s, has evolved across five phases—from early detection and safe blood practices to comprehensive prevention, testing, treatment, and community engagement. The ongoing NACP-V (2021–2026), with an outlay of ₹15,471 crore, aims to help the country achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Key initiatives in recent years include the ‘Test and Treat’ policy, Mission Sampark to re-engage PLHIV who discontinued treatment, universal viral load monitoring, and decentralised district-level coordination through DAPCUs. India has also expanded access to antiretroviral therapy and strengthened outreach to high-risk groups through 1,587 targeted intervention projects as of October 2025.
The National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) continues to lead nationwide awareness campaigns through mass media, digital platforms, community outreach and workplace sensitisation drives. Outdoor campaigns, SHG training, and grassroots mobilisation through ASHAs and Anganwadi workers form an important part of the strategy.
As part of the 2017 HIV/AIDS Act, Ombudsmen have been appointed in 34 States and Union Territories to address stigma and discrimination complaints.
Officials said India’s progress—marked by declining infections, expanded treatment access, and rights-based policies—reflects sustained collaboration among government agencies, communities, and civil society.
