World AIDS Day 2025

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare observed World AIDS Day 2025 under the theme:
“Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response.”
The event highlighted India’s progress in AIDS control and reaffirmed the commitment to end HIV as a public health threat.

Background:

• The first World AIDS Day was marked by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 1st December 1998 to recognize the role of civil society in combating HIV/AIDS globally.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) / AIDS

About HIV

• HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, primarily CD4 cells (white blood cells), weakening the body and making it vulnerable to infections and cancers.

Transmission

• HIV spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, including blood, semen, breast milk, and vaginal fluids.

• Common modes include unprotected sexual contact, shared needles, or unsterilized tattooing equipment.

• It cannot spread through casual contact like hugging or shaking hands.

Symptoms

• Early signs: fever, rash, and fatigue.

• Later stages: swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, diarrhea, and opportunistic infections such as tuberculosis, meningitis, or cancers like lymphoma.

Treatment

• There is no cure for HIV, but lifelong Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) effectively controls the virus, preventing progression to AIDS.

Global Response

• UN Sustainable Development Goal 3.3 aims to end the HIV epidemic as a public health threat by 2030.

India’s National AIDS Control Programme (NACP)

About NACP

• The National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) is India’s central initiative for prevention, control, and management of HIV/AIDS.

• Implemented by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

• AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the advanced stage of HIV infection.

Evolution of NACP

1. NACP I (1992–1999): Launched India’s first comprehensive programme to slow HIV spread.

2. NACP II (1999–2006): Focused on reducing transmission and strengthening national capacity.

3. NACP III (2007–2012): Aimed to halt and reverse the epidemic by scaling up prevention and integrating services. Established District AIDS Prevention and Control Units (DAPCUs).

4. NACP IV (2012–2017, extended to 2021): Accelerated reversal with integrated care; aimed 50% reduction in new infections compared to the 2007 baseline.

   • Key initiatives:

     • HIV/AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017 prohibiting discrimination.

     • Mission Sampark to re-engage People Living with HIV (PLHIV) lost to follow-up.

     • ‘Test and Treat’ policy and universal viral load monitoring.

5. NACP V (2021–2026): A Central Sector Scheme with an outlay of over ₹15,000 crore, aligning with SDG 3.3 to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

Achievements of NACP

• HIV Prevalence: Dropped from 0.33% in 2010 to 0.20% in 2024, below the global average of 0.70%.

• New HIV Infections: Declined from 1.25 lakh in 2010 to 64,500 in 2024 (a 49% reduction), outperforming the global decline of 40%.

• Global Share: India now accounts for only 5% of global new infections (1.3 million in 2024).

• Testing and Treatment under NACP V:

  • HIV testing increased from 4.13 crore (2020–21) to 6.62 crore (2024–25).

  • People on ART rose from 14.94 lakh to 18.60 lakh, reflecting expanded access and effective government interventions.