In keeping with its commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goal of ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, India has made remarkable progress in combating HIV/AIDS, achieving a 44 per cent reduction in annual infections since 2010, surpassing the global reduction rate of 39 per cent.

This was stated by Union Health Minister Anupriya Singh Patel at a high-level side event at the UN on the theme “Revitalized Multilateralism: Recommitting to Ending AIDS Together.”

The Minister also outlined India’s progress and key strategies in the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS, including the 5th phase of the National AIDS and STD Control Programme (2021-2026), fully funded by the government.

Data from the recent India HIV Estimations 2023 report show that more than 2.5 million people are living with HIV in India. But with concerted efforts, the adult HIV prevalence is at 0.2 per cent and estimated annual new HIV infections are at around 66,400.

“India has made great strides in combating HIV/AIDS through innovative programmes and robust partnerships,” the Minister said at the event which was organized by UNAIDS, the Global Fund, and PEPFAR.

She emphasised India’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goal of ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. This includes youth awareness campaigns like Red Ribbon Clubs in educational institutions and mass awareness activities such as the annual RED RUN Marathon.

“India offers comprehensive HIV and Syphilis testing to all pregnant women with more than 30 million free HIV tests being conducted annually”, Patel said. Further, public healthcare systems in India are providing free Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) to “more than 1.7 million people”.

The Minister also delved into India’s role as the world’s largest supplier of antiretroviral drugs — over 70 per cent to ensure affordable access for nations in need.

"We are proud to contribute to the global fight against HIV/AIDS by making quality treatment accessible worldwide," said the Minister. Importantly, she added, the country has made efforts to address stigma around HIV with HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act 2017.

In addition, “India’s approach to integrating national health programmes, including efforts to tackle tuberculosis, viral hepatitis, and non-communicable diseases, is helping address co-morbidities faced by people living with HIV,” she added.