Debate on agenda item 11: Implementation of the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS and the political declarations on HIV/AIDS

(9 June 2022; 1500 hrs)

Statement

Mr. President

India is pleased to participate in today’s plenary meeting on HIV/AIDS. We thank the Secretary General for his report, providing an insightful and informative update on the global fight against HIV/ AIDS.

While significant progress has been made in fight against HIV/ AIDS epidemic, challenges still remain in our way towards eliminating HIV/ AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, a target set in SDG 3.

Strong political leadership is most critical to address inequalities and gaps in AIDS epidemic response. During the COVID-19 pandemic, India took swift and timely action by involving communities, civil society, and development partners to mitigate the impact of COVID on HIV services.

In India, the HIV & AIDS Prevention and Control Act, 2017, provides a legal and enabling framework to safeguard the human rights of infected and affected populations.

India’s unique HIV prevention model is centered around the concept of ‘Social Contracting’ through which the ‘Targeted Interventions Program’ is implemented with support from civil society. The program is aimed at behaviour change, communication, outreach, service delivery, counselling & testing and ensuring linkages to HIV care.

India is providing free anti-retro-viral treatment to close to 1.4 million people. Indian drugs are also reaching millions of People living with HIV in Africa.

Mr. President

India’s National AIDS Control Program (NACP) has been Revised, Revived and Revamped to focus on hard-to-reach and at-risk populations. We are gradually transitioning the people living with HIV to Dolutegravir, a safer and efficacious anti-retro-viral medication regimen.

Viral Load Testing facilities have been scaled up, and HIV counselling, testing and community-based screening for early diagnosis have been ramped up to achieve the target of Elimination of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV.

In 2021, the National AIDS Control Program reached almost 8 million of high-risk and vulnerable population with a comprehensive package of targeted, peer-led prevention services through revamped interventions. In the same period, more than 43.1 million of HIV tests have been undertaken among high-risk groups; other vulnerable populations, and pregnant women.

Communities have always been at the center of the National AIDS Control Program response and considered equal partners. With key contributions including initiatives like community-based HIV screening and multi-month dispensation of Anti-Retroviral drugs, we ensured uninterrupted delivery of services to the last mile.

Mr. President

In line with the motto of the Government of India, ‘Together, for everyone’s growth, with everyone’s trust and efforts’, the National AIDS Control Program has signed MoUs with public and private sector industries to mobilise their support for HIV prevention and treatment. India aspires to scale up HIV care to reach 100% of people living with this dreaded disease.

In India, the latest HIV estimates have highlighted that the annual new HIV infections have declined by 46% between 2010 and 2021 signifying the tremendous impact of prevention efforts. Similarly, AIDS-related deaths have declined by almost 76.5% in the last decade. This indicates the impact of a very comprehensive and holistic national AIDS response in India has been remarkable.

In 2021, there were around 1.6 million people living with HIV on Anti-Retroviral (ARV) Treatment in the country. This is highest since the launch of Anti-Retroviral treatment under the National AIDS Control Programme in 2004. People living with HIV are on most advanced, lifelong free Dolutegravir-based regimen which significantly improves the quality of life.

Though the COVID-19 pandemic had far-reaching effects on health systems and other public services, yet the HIV services continued unabated, with uninterrupted supply chains for test kits, medicines, and other commodities. Comprehensive care of People living with HIV & High-Risk Groups was further augmented through a robust and resilient system.

Awareness Campaigns to reach out to hard-to-reach populations and youth through digital platforms including social media are conducted across the country. The National Toll-Free AIDS Helpline number ‘1097’ offers a comprehensive package of information and facilitate appropriate linkages for need-based services including those on mental health issues.

Mr. President

We have to achieve zero new transmission of HIV in order to deliver on the promise of ending AIDS in the next 10 years. We need to foresee and identify our challenges and gaps, customise our programs, share knowledge and emulate best practices.

India is committed to strengthen international cooperation in our common fight against HIV and ready to intensify cooperation with all partners including WHO to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal of ‘Ending HIV as a public health threat’ by 2030.

I thank you.

(740 words)