India Amplifies HIV/AIDS Response with Suraksha Sankalp Karyashala

The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, backed by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), recently orchestrated the Suraksha Sankalp Karyashala in Delhi. This strategic workshop aimed to fortify the district-level response to HIV/AIDS, placing particular emphasis on Haryana and Delhi.

Dr. Rakesh Gupta, Additional Secretary & Director General of NACO, spearheaded the session, highlighting the pressing need for a structured, data-driven approach to tackling HIV. Addressing the attendees, S. P. Bhavsar outlined the evolving dynamics of HIV in India and stressed the significance of localized, district-specific responses.

Central to the discussions was the globally endorsed 95:95:95 target for HIV management, which seeks widespread awareness, treatment, and viral suppression of HIV patients. Despite advancements, Gupta acknowledged persistent gaps, particularly in Delhi, where only 70% of diagnosed individuals are on treatment. In contrast, Haryana shows a more promising outlook with its 81:83:95 cascade.

Dr. Gupta also brought attention to the crucial task of preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV during pregnancy and beyond, underscoring its preventability through proper medical intervention. Highlighting national efforts, 219 districts have been pinpointed for focused HIV/AIDS interventions, with 18 priority districts in Haryana and Delhi combined.

The workshop unveiled the alarming adult HIV prevalence in Delhi and Haryana, with targeted districts assigned for rigorous program executions. A collective effort from district teams, including presentations of their progresses and collaborative strategizing, marked the event.

Dr. Gupta discussed a roadmap towards controlling the HIV epidemic by 2027, reinforcing India's commitment to global AIDS control objectives. He proposed ambitious goals for care and treatment enhancements, urging stakeholders at all levels to synchronize efforts and bridge existing gaps in healthcare delivery.

Finally, this workshop reiterated India's dedication to the global aim of eradicating AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, advocating for inclusive and equitable healthcare services. Such initiatives emphasize India's proactive, data-centric methodology in confronting the HIV/AIDS epidemic.