TNI Bureau: HIV infections have declined by 56% during the last decade from 2.7 lakh in 2000 to 1.2 lakh in 2009 in India – claimed Ghulam Nabi Azad, Minister of Health and Family Welfare at the International HIV Vaccine Symposium in New Delhi on Monday.
India is among the few countries which have made significant reductions in HIV infections. HIV was detected in India over 25 years ago, but since then valuable knowledge and experience has been accumulated as a result of extensive interventions for control of the epidemic and it seems to be stabilizing now – informed Mr. Azad addressing the inaugural ceremony there.
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The national response to HIV/AIDS in India is implemented through the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP). “Prevention and Care” and “Support & Treatment” form the two key elements to control the dreadful disease in India.
Mr. Azad said that the trend of annual AIDS- related deaths is showing a steady decline since the roll out of free ART programme in India in 2004. Besides the domestic programme, India has been providing around 80% of global ARV drug demand. Vaccines have been frequently cited as one of the most equitable low-cost, high-impact public health measures.