Indore: Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda marked World AIDS Day 2024 with a commemorative event at Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya Auditorium, Indore, alongside Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav. This year’s theme, “Take the Rights Path,” highlighted the importance of ensuring equal rights, dignity, and access to healthcare for those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.
In his address, Nadda emphasized the government’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding the rights and health of people living with HIV/AIDS. He reflected on India’s progress, noting a 44% decline in new infections since 2010 and a 79% reduction in AIDS-related deaths, surpassing global averages.
Highlighting India’s leadership in HIV treatment, Nadda said, “India has evolved from struggling with inaccessible medicines to becoming a global supplier of affordable and effective HIV medications.” He added that the government provides free antiretroviral therapy (ART) to HIV patients, aligning with its goal of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
India has adopted an ambitious 95-95-95 strategy—detecting 95% of cases, providing ART to 95% of patients, and suppressing the viral load in 95% of treated individuals. Nadda reported significant progress: 81% detection, 88% ART coverage, and 97% viral load suppression.
Nadda outlined key directives for combating HIV/AIDS, including:
- Caution and Prevention: Educating people about HIV transmission routes beyond sexual contact.
- Healthy Lifestyles: Promoting nutrition, exercise, and sleep to enhance immunity.
- Awareness Campaigns: Using school programs, village meetings, and media to combat stereotypes and educate communities.
“Every person with HIV deserves a dignified life and inclusion in mainstream society,” Nadda stated, encouraging empathy and support for those affected.
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav highlighted Madhya Pradesh’s achievements in healthcare, particularly in AIDS control. He praised the government’s inclusive approach, ensuring healthcare benefits reach the lowest strata of society.
“Madhya Pradesh aims to eradicate AIDS as a public health threat by 2028, two years ahead of the national target,” Dr. Yadav announced.
He also noted the transformation in the state’s medical education infrastructure, with medical colleges increasing from five to 31, and plans to establish 50 colleges within two years.
The event included an exhibition by the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), showcasing innovations and achievements in AIDS control. Nadda and Dr. Yadav reiterated their commitment to tackling epidemic diseases and strengthening healthcare systems, ensuring a future free from AIDS.
As World AIDS Day 2024 concluded, India’s message was clear: through unity, awareness, and action, the fight against HIV/AIDS will continue until every individual can live a life of dignity and health.