AIDS-related deaths down by 79%, new HIV infections by 44% since 2010: Nadda

Union Health Minister JP Nadda reports significant reductions in AIDS-related deaths and new HIV infections in India by 2023.

“Deaths from AIDS in the country came down by 79%, while HIV infections fell by 44% in 2023 when compared to 2010,” Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda said on Sunday (December 1, 2024).

Speaking at a function in Indore on the occasion of World AIDS Day, Mr. Nadda said the 44% decrease in new Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) cases in India since 2010 was higher than the global reduction rate of 39%.

The country is committed to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of eradicating AIDS by 2030, he said and cited the ongoing Phase V of the National AIDS and STD Control Programme.

Mr. Nadda said the renewed IDS response measures of 'test and treat' and universal viral load testing will be endorsed, and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act 2017 will be implemented in toto.

The Union minister underlined the sustained efforts by NACO and State AIDS Control Societies and said India has worked out a formula of "95-95-95" in view of the target of eliminating AIDS by 2030.

“Ninety-five percent of the patients in the country should know that they are infected with HIV, 95% of the patients should get treatment, and the “viral load” of 95% of the patients should be lessened by antiretroviral therapy medicines,” he explained.

“At present, 81% of patients know they are infected with HIV, 88% of patients are being given treatment, and the viral load of 97% patients has reduced,” the Union minister informed.