New annual HIV infections have decreased by 44 per cent since 2010, outperforming the global reduction rate of 39 per cent, Union Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel said on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. Ms. Patel shared this information while addressing a high-level side event at the United Nations on the theme ‘Revitalized Multilateralism: Recommitting to Ending AIDS Together.
’ The event was organised by UNAIDS, the Global Fund and PEPFAR (U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief), the Union Health Ministry said in a statement.
The Minister said India was committed to achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal of ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Ms. Patel outlined India's progress and strategies in the fight against HIV/AIDS, including the fifth phase of the National AIDS and STD Control Programme (2021-2026), fully funded by the government of India, the statement said.
"As per the recent 'India HIV Estimations 2023' report, over 2.5 million people are living with HIV in India, but thanks to concerted efforts, the adult HIV prevalence is at 0.2 per cent and estimated annual new HIV infections are at around 66,400.
"New annual HIV infections have decreased by 44 per cent since 2010, outperforming the global reduction rate of 39 per cent," Ms. Patel said. India has made great strides in combating HIV/AIDS, the Minister said and listed a variety of youth-targeted initiatives like Red Ribbon Clubs in educational institutio.
