India's Battle Against HIV/AIDS
India has made significant strides in combating HIV/AIDS with expansive national prevention and treatment programs. The achievements under the National AIDS and STD Control Programme (NACP) include a nearly 50% reduction in new infections since 2010, an over 80% drop in AIDS-related deaths, and viral suppression exceeding 97% among those on treatment. The country has adopted Dolutegravir-based regimens, placing it among global leaders in treatment efficacy.
Current Challenges
- Despite successes, India's HIV epidemic is evolving, with some areas experiencing increased incidence.
- States like Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, and Punjab have rising HIV cases, mainly due to injecting drug use.
- HIV prevalence among people who inject drugs is 40 times the national average, with certain hotspots reporting exponential increases.
- New infections are increasingly occurring in individuals acquiring HIV from casual or regular partners, indicating a shift beyond traditional key populations.
- The young demographic, with 2.25 crore adolescents entering the 15-25 age cohort annually, remains vulnerable to risky sexual behavior and substance use.
Strategic Shifts in NACP-VI
NACP-VI aims to be the boldest and most forward-looking HIV strategy, aligning with SDG 3.3 to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. It focuses on four key shifts:
- Transforming Prevention: Move beyond traditional high-risk groups to address overlapping vulnerabilities. This includes using AI-driven self-risk assessments, virtual outreach, and disease surveillance to track hotspots or super-spreaders.
- Early Detection and Treatment: Emphasize early diagnosis and retention in treatment using digital tools like Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) and telemedicine.
- Eliminating Vertical Transmission: Reach every pregnant woman with universal screening and treatment regardless of demographic factors.
- Ending Stigma: Combat stigma, which hinders diagnosis and treatment. The HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017, promotes a stigma-free environment.
India's Progress and Future Outlook
India has reversed the trajectory of the HIV epidemic, saving a generation from its impacts and contributing to economic growth. The vibrant biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry provides support for drug, vaccine, and diagnostic development. However, the final push to end HIV/AIDS requires addressing social, digital, and structural challenges.
NACP-VI offers a technologically modern, epidemiologically precise, and socially grounded roadmap backed by strong government commitment and a resilient public health system.