The number of people living with HIV in the country receiving anti-retroviral therapy approximately doubled from 2007 to 2009 and then again from 2009 to 2012.
India is now ranked second globally in terms of total number of people receiving life-saving drugs. Currently more than 650 000 people living with HIV are receiving treatment in the country and efforts are underway to ensure that 1 million people are covered by the national treatment programme in a short time frame.
Dr Loures congratulated the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Department of AIDS Control for their firm commitment and leadership and their on-going efforts to strategically expand the national HIV response. Over the previous decade, India’s efforts in the AIDS response have reduced the number of new HIV infections by more than 50%.
“India’s national AIDS response programme has secured results; it is one of the big global achievers,” he said. “Not only has it significantly expanded coverage of HIV prevention initiatives, but equally is placing emphasis on increased access, availability and coverage of HIV treatment and care services.”
Dr Loures emphasized the need for India to continue to capitalize on the gains achieved and ensure that investments are focused where they are most needed. “To realise greater impact across the country, India’s focus on strategic investments tailored at sub-national level—that consider local contextual realities—is critical. This strategy will be a game changer in influencing the epidemic’s future trajectory,” added Dr Loures.
