NACP Phase V – “Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right!”

Alarming Facts

• Number of people living with HIV: In 2021, India had an estimated 24 lakhs people living with HIV (PLHIV).
• New infections: In 2021, India had an estimated 62.97 thousand new infections. This is a 46.3% decline from 2010.
• AIDS-related deaths: In 2021, India had an estimated 41.97 thousand AIDS- related deaths. This is a 76.5% decline from 2010.
• HIV prevalence: In 2021, India’s HIV prevalence was 0.21%, down from 0.32% in 2010.
• States with highest HIV prevalence: The states with the highest HIV prevalence are Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh.
• States with most rapid decline in new infections: The states with the most rapid decline in new infections are Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana
• States with highest need for PMTCT: The states with the highest need for PMTCT are Maharashtra, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh.
• Transmission routes: The major route of HIV transmission is unprotected sex (87% heterosexual), followed by transmission from parent to child (5%), and unknown cause (3.0%).

NACP – National AIDS Control Programme

NACP Phase V

It’s a central sector scheme initiated by the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) within the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, with a budget of Rs. 15,471.94 crore. It aims to maintain past achievements as well as address current problems. It aims to attain dual elimination of vertical transmission, elimination of HIV/AIDS related stigma while promoting universal access to quality STI/RTI services to at-risk and vulnerable populations.

Strategic Goals of NACP

1. Reducing Annual New HIV Infections by 80%: A primary objective of Phase-V is to substantially lower new HIV cases through enhanced testing, availability of antiretroviral therapy, and better community outreach programs. The implementation of targeted interventions such as prevention of transmission methods, especially among high-risk groups, is crucial.

2. Reducing AIDS-related Mortalities by 80%: Access to timely and effective treatment is essential for reducing mortality rates among people living with HIV. The strategy document provides insights into improving healthcare infrastructure, healthcare provider training, and patient adherence to treatment regimens.

3. Eliminating Vertical Transmission of HIV and Syphilis: Maternal health services will play a vital role in preventing the transmission of HIV and syphilis from mothers to children. The document highlights the importance of integrating maternal and child health programs with HIV services to eliminate vertical transmission.

4. Promoting Universal Access to Quality STI/RTI Services: The program recognizes the need for comprehensive sexual health services for at-risk and vulnerable populations. By ensuring that all individuals have access to high-quality services for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and reproductive tract infections (RTIs), the program aims to tackle broader public health concerns.

5. Eliminating HIV/AIDS-related Stigma and Discrimination: To foster a supportive environment for affected individuals, campaign initiatives will focus on raising awareness and promoting education about HIV/AIDS. Through collaboration with civil society organizations, the program aims to challenge societal stigma and ensure equitable access to services.

Access to Treatment

India has made remarkable strides in increasing access to antiretroviral therapy (ART). As of 2021, around 1.5 million people were receiving ART, ensuring better health outcomes and reducing the likelihood of transmission. The government has implemented a range of programs to promote early testing, diagnosis, and linkage to care.The 90-90-90 targets set by UNAIDS aim for 90% of all people living with HIV to know their status, 90% of those diagnosed to be on antiretroviral therapy, and 90% of those on ART to achieve viral suppression. While India has made progress towards these goals, challenges remain, particularly in reaching populations most at risk.

Stigma and Discrimination

Despite progress, stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS remain pervasive in India. This societal stigma can deter individuals from seeking testing and treatment and exacerbates the vulnerabilities faced by high-risk populations. The government, along with various NGOs, is working to raise awareness and educate the public to combat these issues.

Impact of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges to the HIV response in India. Disruption in healthcare services, including ART distribution and HIV testing, has led to concerns about treatment interruptions and increased HIV transmission potential. Recovery efforts are underway to restore usual healthcare services and ensure continuity of care for people living with HIV.

Conclusion

Good health is human right . Everybody should be able to get the healthcare they require, including HIV prevention, treatment, and care services at the appropriate time and location. Ensuring universal access to health care, free from discrimination, regardless of one’s gender, background, HIV status, or place of residence, is essential to uphold the right to health.

The Medical Bulletin