HIV/AIDS: India Has Miles to Go before Getting To Zero

Ruby Kumari
New Delhi. World AIDS Day on December 1 is used to unite people in the fight against HIV.  The theme this year is ‘Getting to Zero’. Member countries of United Nation, including India, have agreed on a new set of global goals to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. However, will India be able to meet this deadline?  

The present scenario
India is now in the third decade of its HIVAIDS epidemic. So far, the journey of the fight against this deadliest virus has remained somewhat satisfactory. The number of cases has dipped. As per the data presented to Lok Sabha this year, the number of HIV positive cases reported annually in the country has declined by 57 percent to 1.16 lakh in 2011 as compared to 2.74 lakh in 2000. Also, according to World Health Organization, new infections have fallen more than 20 percent over the past 14 years. 

Complacency could prove costly
But experts warn that complacency could prove to be costly for India. Timely availability of drugs at an affordable cost, targeted interventions in the high-risk groups and adequate funding are three important fronts against HIV/AIDS where the country needs to tighten its vigil. 

Drugs still out of reach for many
According to some reports, less than a tenth of those who need second -line HIV drug access them under the government programme. Experts say these patients will not only develop further resistance but even spread the disease in the community. 

High-risk groups not in TI loop completely
Targeted intervention among high-risk groups like homosexuals, sex workers, truckers and injecting drug users are still inadequate. A recent analysis report of the National HIV/AIDS Programme Data by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) has revealed that major interventions are required to make the programme a success. The NACO has warned of an HIV epidemic in Odisha. As per the state’s fact sheet, the number of condom outlets has decreased from 37, 8421 in 2012 to 1551 in 2014. The analysis of programme data for Punjab, Assam, Odisha and West Bengal indicates that there are certain pockets and districts in these states which are driving the HIV epidemic.

Fund crisis has crippling impact on the programme 
State AIDS Control Societies have accepted that unlike previous years, very few awareness and other programmes are being organized on this World AIDS Day. The reason behind this is the shortage of money. In February, Modi government slashed the 2015-16 central AIDS budget by 22 percent, asking states to fill the gap. But, states have remained slow to respond. Also, they are not able in disbursing the smaller amounts they have received. Now, NACO and State AIDS Control Societies are resizing their programmes according to the availability of funds. 

Miles to Go before 'Getting To Zero'
Despite the progress, India accounted for most of the estimated 340,000 new infections in the Asia-Pacific last year. So, any lapse in its battle against the HIV/AIDS could derail the progress achieved till now. Experts warn the happy picture could crumble in a few years if the government fails to refocus its strategy against the deadliest virus.