Indore, December 1: The nation has seen a significant reduction in AIDS-related deaths by 79 percent, alongside a 44 percent decline in new HIV infections in 2023, as stated by Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Sunday during a World AIDS Day event.
Nadda emphasized a renewed commitment to the AIDS response measures, highlighting the strategies of ‘test and treat’ as well as universal viral load testing, and underscored the full implementation of the AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act of 2017.
India aims to achieve the “95-95-95” target by 2030 to eradicate AIDS, he noted.
“To meet this goal, 95 percent of individuals living with HIV must know their status, 95 percent of those diagnosed must receive treatment, and 95 percent of patients must attain a suppressed viral load through antiretroviral therapy,” he clarified.
Currently, 81 percent of those with HIV are aware of their status, 88 percent are receiving treatment, and 97 percent of patients have successfully reduced their viral load, the minister reported.
“In 2023, there was a 44 percent drop in new AIDS cases in the country and a remarkable 79 percent decrease in AIDS-related fatalities,” he added.
Nadda pointed out that while the global AIDS prevalence stands at 0.7 percent, India has managed a much lower rate of 0.2 percent, reflecting the robust healthcare infrastructure developed over years of combating the disease.
He mentioned that the government provides free AIDS medication to patients and ensures immediate access to treatment upon a positive HIV diagnosis.
Furthermore, Indian pharmaceutical companies are exporting cost-effective and efficient AIDS medications to regions like Africa and Latin America, Nadda noted.
“Youth should exercise caution when getting tattoos, as we’ve noted a rise in HIV cases linked to this practice. I urge young people to recognize this risk,” he stressed.
The minister also called for an end to the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS and encouraged a more compassionate approach toward those living with the virus, asserting that discrimination against HIV-infected individuals in employment and other aspects of life must be eliminated.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav was present at the event. (PTI)
