Context:

World AIDS Day, observed annually on 1st December since 1988, aims to raise awareness about Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) while fostering international solidarity against the pandemic.

World AIDS Day 2024 

• The theme for World AIDS Day 2024: “Take the right path: My health, my right!” emphasizes the importance of ensuring equal rights, dignity, and access to healthcare for all, particularly for those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.
• This year’s theme highlights the role of human rights in ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstance, can exercise their right to health. 
• By focusing on this rights-based approach, the 2024 campaign seeks to foster inclusivity, reduce stigma, and encourage global cooperation to eradicate AIDS as a public health threat.
• The global goal of ending HIV/AIDS is by 2030. 

Some of the Key Data about AIDS

• In 2023, an estimated 39.9 million people were living with HIV globally.
• An estimated 1.3 million people acquired HIV in 2023.
• On the national front, the India HIV Estimations 2023 report highlights that over 2.5 million people are living with HIV in India. 

India’s Scenario on AIDS 

The National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India has been observing World AIDS Day annually on December 1^st since 1992. 

The number of new HIV cases in India has decreased by 44% since 2010 which is higher than the global reduction rate of 39%. 

India also showcased a 79% decline in deaths due to AIDS since 2010.

90-90-90 target: It serves the target of detecting 90% of cases of AIDS in the country, 90% of people to be treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART) and 90% to have their viral load suppressed.

• Later it was increased to 95-95-95, out of which 81% of people with AIDS have been identified, 88% are being given ART and the viral load of 97% of identified people has been suppressed.

India also launched the National AIDS and STD Control Programme (NACP) in 1992.

• Phase IV of NACP (2017-2021) played a crucial role in the passage of the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017.
• Phase-IV of NACP also launched the ‘Test and Treat’ policy in 2017 which ensures that every individual diagnosed with HIV receives free Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) irrespective of their clinical stage.
• ART is the treatment of people infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) using anti-HIV drugs. 

Phase-V of NACP was launched as a Central Sector Scheme with a budget of ₹15,471.94 crore to focus on reducing new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths by 80% (from 2010 levels) by 2025–26. 

• It aims to eliminate vertical HIV transmission, eradicate HIV/AIDS stigma, and ensure universal access to quality STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection)/ RTI (Reproductive Tract Infection) services for vulnerable populations.