Union Health Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda Inaugurates World AIDS Day 2024 Event in Indore

Union Health Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda officially launched the World AIDS Day 2024 at Indore, Madhya Pradesh on December 1,2024 in the presence of Dr. Mohan Yadav, the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh. The occasion was the celebration of achieving so many strides regarding HIV/AIDS and the big focus, the theme was “Take the Rights Path.” Mr Nadda outlined some important successes, such as a 44% decrease in new infections and a 79% decrease in AIDS-related deaths in 2023.

World AIDS Day 2024 theme: “Take the Rights Path”

Data Point:

• The Union Minister highlighted India’s notable achievements in combating HIV outbreak, there is drop of 44% in 2023 of new infections which is lower than that of 2010 & 79% decline in deaths related to AIDS.
• Under Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) has been organising these event annually since to achieve the global target of eradicating HIV/AIDS by 2030, reducing bew HIV infections and improve access to treatment.
• India has committed to the 95-95-95 target for AIDS control, aiming to detect 95% of HIV cases, treat 95% with ART, and suppress viral loads in 95% of patients

India's Progress in the Fight Against AIDS

• “From havingno medicine to global supplier”: Shri Nadda emphasized india’s transformative journey from having no medicine to become a global supplier ofaffordable and effective medicine and providing free care to HIV/AIDS patients.

• Sustained Efforts: Under the National AIDS and STD Control Program Phase V, efforts by NACO and State AIDS Control Societies have significantly reduced the HIV epidemic in India.

Three Key Directives:

1. Caution to prevent HIV/AIDS through multiple routes of transmission.

2. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including nutrition, exercise, and sleep.

3. Raising awareness and combating stereotypes about HIV/AIDS.

• The Minister stressed that people with HIV should be treated with respect and dignity, and emphasized that with current treatments, people with HIV can live healthy lives and have HIV-free children.

Madhya Pradesh's Commitment to AIDS Eradication

• Madhya Pradesh govt has set an aim to end HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by the year 2028 that is two years ahead of global target.

• The state government has been working in development of healthcare infrastructure by increase medical colleges to 50 from 31.

Documents Released:

• Sankalak 6th Edition: A report on India’s progress in AIDS and STD control.
• India HIV Estimates 2023: Latest data on HIV prevalence and incidence in India.
• Coffee Table Book: Highlighting the Intensified IEC Campaign's efforts to raise awareness.
• Prevention Progress Update 2023-2024: Analysis of progress in HIV prevention among high-risk groups.
• Research Compendium Volume II: Findings from state-specific studies.

Theme Song: The launch of NACO's theme song, performed live, highlighted a message of hope, unity, and resilience in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Conclusion: A Unified Effort to Combat AIDS

Through this event various leaders, government officials, civil society and youth were united at a platform to collectively fight against HIV/AIDS. India remarked its efforts, long term plans and dedication to eradicating HIV/AIDS by 2030, striving a better future where people living with HIV/AIDS are treated equally with respect and dignity with no fear of discrimination to form a more inclusive society for all.