World AIDS Day 2024 serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing battle against HIV/AIDS, with a call to action for awareness, prevention, and equitable healthcare. India has made significant strides in combating the epidemic, yet regional disparities and persistent challenges demand urgent attention.
Progress in diagnosis and treatment
India has made commendable advances in early diagnosis and treatment of HIV/AIDS. Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) programs and point-of-care tools are aiding early detection in newborns, though rural accessibility remains a challenge. The nation is progressing toward the UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals for 2030:
- 79% of people living with HIV (PLHIV) are aware of their status.
- 71% are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART).
- Long-acting injectable ARTs are being introduced to improve adherence, but adoption remains limited.
Focused prevention programs targeting women, youth, and rural communities have reduced overall HIV incidence. However, increasing infection rates in states like Maharashtra, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh highlight the need for localized interventions.
HIV/AIDS in numbers
As of 2024, approximately 2.35 million Indians live with HIV, with an adult prevalence rate of 0.22%. Since 1997, new infections have decreased by 86%, showcasing the effectiveness of prevention strategies. Despite this progress, women (44% of HIV-positive adults) and marginalized communities continue to face disproportionate risks due to limited access to education and healthcare resources.
Tackling stigma and equity
Stigma remains a significant barrier, deterring individuals from seeking testing and treatment. In rural areas, the lack of awareness exacerbates discrimination. Advocacy campaigns and education are vital to dismantling these societal barriers, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Dr. Swati Rajagopal, Consultant – Infectious Disease & Travel Medicine, Aster CMI Hospital, emphasizes:
“HIV/AIDS continues to challenge societies, but through awareness, prevention, and equity, we can turn the tide. Together, we can move toward a future free of HIV/AIDS.”
Challenges and ongoing trials
India’s efforts are hampered by late diagnoses, fragmented healthcare infrastructure, and socioeconomic barriers to ART adherence. Marginalized groups, such as LGBTQ+ communities and sex workers, face additional hurdles. Co-infections like tuberculosis compound the complexity of treatment.
To address these issues, clinical trials are underway, focusing on innovations like latency-reversing agents and long-acting injectables to enhance ART efficacy and convenience.
A vision for the future
World AIDS Day underscores the need for collaboration and commitment to end the epidemic. By addressing stigma, investing in localized prevention programs, and ensuring equitable access to healthcare, India can accelerate its progress toward the UNAIDS 2030 targets.
This year, let us renew our commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS with compassion, innovation, and resolve, ensuring that hope reaches every corner of the nation.