The year 2018 marked an important milestone in the fight against AIDS, as it was the 30th anniversary of World AIDS Day. The theme for that year was “Know your status”. World AIDS Day is organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and has been commemorated on December 1st every year since 1988. As the first ever global health day, its aim is to unite people worldwide in the fight against HIV, show support for those living with HIV, and commemorate those who have passed away from an AIDS-related illness.
The Objectives of World AIDS Day 2018
For World AIDS Day in 2018, the WHO primarily focused on encouraging people to know their HIV infection status through testing. This initiative aligned with the access of HIV prevention, treatment and care services. Another major objective was to persuade policy-makers to promote a “health for all” agenda addressing HIV and related health services, like tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis and noncommunicable diseases.
National AIDS Control Program
In 1992, the National AIDS Control Organization under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare initiated the first phase of the National AIDS Control Programme. This program has evolved over time, shifting its focus from raising awareness to inducing behavior change. It also moved from a national response to a more decentralized one, involving more NGOs and networks of People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV). Subsequently, the second, third and fourth phases were launched in 1999, 2007 and 2014 respectively, featuring improved implementation strategies.
Implementation of HIV/AIDS Act, 2017
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017 (HIV/AIDS Act, 2017) was enforced by The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare from 10th September 2018.
India’s Burden of HIV
| HIV Prevalence in Adult Population | 0.26% |
|---|---|
| People Living with HIV in India (2015) | 2.1 million |
| India’s Global Ranking in Number Of HIV Cases | 3rd |
Bio-behavioural surveys have shown that the HIV prevalence is high or ‘concentrated’ among key populations who engage in unprotected sex with multiple partners or indulge in drug injection. These include female sex workers, men who have sex with men, hijra/transgender people, those who inject drugs, long-distance truck drivers and migrants.
National Strategic Plan for HIV/AIDS and STI 2017-2024
The National AIDS Control Organization has adjusted its national approach to ensure a more effective, sustained and comprehensive coverage of AIDS related services. This revised approach is being enacted over seven years under the National Strategic Plan on HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infection, 2017-24.
The HIV Virus and Its Treatment
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus targets the immune system, resulting in increased vulnerability to a range of infections, cancers and other diseases. As the virus destroys immune cells, infected individuals gradually become immunodeficient. The most advanced stage of HIV infection is Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). HIV infection can be diagnosed through rapid diagnostic tests which detect the presence or absence of HIV antibodies. Antiretroviral therapy can control the virus and help prevent transmission, allowing people living with HIV, and those at substantial risk, to lead healthy and productive lives.
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM)
Founded in 2002, the Global Fund is a partnership between governments, civil society, the private sector and people affected by the diseases. It raises and invests nearly US$4 billion annually to support programs run by local experts in countries and communities. In India’s health sector, the GFATM plays a significant role by contributing a substantial amount of external development assistance.
Project Sunrise
In 2016, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in India launched ‘Project Sunrise’, aimed at addressing the rising HIV prevalence in north-eastern states, specifically among people injecting drugs.
The Symbolism of Red Ribbon
The red ribbon is globally recognized as the symbol of awareness and support for people living with HIV. Wearing a red ribbon is an effective way to raise awareness on World AIDS Day and during the run-ups to this important global event.
