India has made significant progress in reducing new HIV infections with 44% reduction since 2010, surpassing the global reduction rate of 39%.
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- The announcement was made by the Minister of Health and Family Welfare at an UN event with theme of ‘Revitalized Multilateralism: Recommitting to Ending AIDS Together’
- She also emphasized India’s commitment to ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at an UN event.
- The event was organized by UNAIDS, the Global Fund, and PEPFAR (U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief).
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UNAIDS (United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS)
- It is a global organization that works to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030.
- It provides technical and financial support to countries to prevent new HIV infections.
- It also helps to provide treatment to people living with HIV, and reduce the stigma associated with HIV.
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria
- It is a global partnership that provides grants to countries to support their efforts to prevent and treat these diseases.
- It works with governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector to ensure that people in need have access to the medicines, diagnostics, and prevention services they require.
PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief)
- It is a U.S. government initiative launched in 2003 to address the global AIDS epidemic.
- It provides funding and technical assistance to countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to prevent new HIV infections, provide treatment to people living with HIV, and support orphans and vulnerable children affected by AIDS.
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About AIDS
- AIDS, or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, is a chronic disease that occurs when the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) damages the body’s immune system.HIV is a virus that targets and weakens the body’s immune system.
- If untreated, it can lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), a life-threatening condition where the immune system fails.
- People living with AIDS are vulnerable to opportunistic infections and certain cancers.
Classification and Function
- HIV belongs to the lentivirus group, a subtype of retrovirus.
- It integrates its genetic material into the host cell’s DNA, using the host’s cellular machinery to replicate.
- HIV specifically attacks T-helper cells (also known as CD4 cells), a type of white blood cell crucial for immune defence.
- T cells are responsible for identifying infections and anomalies in the body.
- By destroying CD4 cells, HIV severely damages the immune system, reducing its ability to fight infections.
Transmission
- Sexually transmitted : through contact with infected body fluids during sexual activity.
- Blood contact: including through sharing contaminated needles, and illicit injection drug use.
- Mother to child: during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
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Medical Remedies
- Infected individuals with untreated HIV face a declining number of CD4 cells, leading to immune system collapse and eventual progression to AIDS, where even minor infections become life-threatening.
- Early detection and treatment with antiretroviral therapy (ART) can prevent progression to AIDS and allow individuals to live longer, healthier lives.
Progress in India’s Fight Against HIV/AIDS
- Reduction in New Infections:
- New annual HIV infections have decreased by 44% since 2010.
- India has outperformed the global reduction rate of 39%.
- Adult HIV prevalence in India stands at 0.2%, with around 66,400 new HIV infections estimated annually.
- Over 2.5 million people are currently living with HIV in India.
Government Initiatives
- National AIDS Control Programme:
- The National AIDS and STD Control Programme (2021-2026), fully funded by the Indian government, is in its fifth phase.
- It was launched in 1992 to reduce the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and STDs.
- HIV Testing and Antiretroviral Therapy (ART):
- India offers free HIV and syphilis testing to all pregnant women, conducting over 30 million free HIV tests annually.
- More than 1.7 million people are receiving free ART through public healthcare systems.
- Global Contributions:
- India is the largest global supplier of antiretroviral medicines, producing over 70% of the world’s supply, ensuring affordable access to life-saving treatments globally.
- Stigma Reduction and Legal Framework:
- Efforts to reduce HIV-related stigma have been strengthened by the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act 2017.
- It mandates that all Indian states appoint an ombudsman to address grievances and promote HIV prevention policies.
- Integrated Health Approaches:
- India’s efforts to integrate national health programs for tuberculosis, viral hepatitis, and non-communicable diseases are helping address comorbidities in people living with HIV.
- Youth-targeted Initiatives:
- Initiatives like Red Ribbon Clubs and awareness campaigns such as the RED RUN Marathon, both of which play a crucial role in spreading awareness and combating HIV/AIDS.
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September 26, 2024
