New York: Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Singh Patel, reiterated India’s commitment to ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 during her address at a high-level side event at the United Nations. The event, titled “Revitalized Multilateralism: Recommitting to Ending AIDS Together,” was organized by UNAIDS, the Global Fund, and PEPFAR, and brought together global leaders to strengthen efforts against HIV/AIDS.
In her speech, Patel highlighted India’s key strategies and achievements in the ongoing battle against HIV/AIDS, focusing on the 5th phase of the National AIDS and STD Control Programme (2021-2026), which is fully funded by the Government of India. According to the latest India HIV Estimations 2023 report, over 2.5 million people are living with HIV in India. However, through sustained efforts, adult HIV prevalence has remained low at 0.2%, with an estimated 66,400 new annual HIV infections. Notably, India has reduced new HIV infections by 44% since 2010, surpassing the global reduction rate of 39%.
“India has made great strides in combating HIV/AIDS through innovative programs and robust partnerships,” said Patel, referencing initiatives like the Red Ribbon Clubs in educational institutions and awareness campaigns such as the RED RUN Marathon. She emphasized India’s comprehensive HIV and Syphilis testing for all pregnant women, with more than 30 million free HIV tests conducted annually, and over 1.7 million people receiving free Anti-retroviral Therapy (ART) through the public healthcare system.
India’s contributions to global HIV/AIDS treatment were also spotlighted, with the Minister noting that the country supplies over 70% of the world’s anti-retroviral drugs, ensuring affordable treatment access worldwide. “We are proud to contribute to the global fight against HIV/AIDS by making quality treatment accessible to nations in need,” she stated.
Patel also addressed India’s efforts to combat stigma through the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act of 2017, which mandates all Indian states to appoint ombudsmen to handle grievances and promote HIV prevention policies. She further discussed India’s integrated approach to healthcare, addressing co-morbidities such as tuberculosis, viral hepatitis, and non-communicable diseases among people living with HIV.