World AIDS Day on 1st December 2021
Recently, the Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare has presided over the World AIDS Day celebrations on 1st December.
On the occasion, the government also released various guidelines on Anti Retroviral Treatment (ART) and Pre-exposure Prophylaxis under the National AIDS Control Programme.
ART and pre-exposure prophylaxis are medication procedures to prevent HIV.
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that weakens a person’s immune system by destroying important cells that fight disease and infection.
There is currently no effective treatment for HIV, but HIV can be controlled with proper medical care.
If HIV is not treated, it can cause AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
In the year 2019, there were about 23.48 lakh people living with HIV (PLHIV) in India.
Maharashtra was estimated to have the highest number of PLHIVs (3.96 lakh). It is followed by Andhra Pradesh (3.14 lakh).
Initiatives taken by Government
National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) to oversee policies related to HIV and AIDS.
National AIDS Control Program
- HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017 to remove discrimination against PLHIV
- National Strategic Plan 2017-24 for Monitoring under ART Services and Mission Contact (SAMPARK)
- Training and sensitization programs for various stakeholders.
Source – The Hindu
