HIV AND AIDS CONTROL PROGRAMME
National AIDS Control Programme (NACP)
Introduction
• HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) attacks the immune system
• Leads to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) if untreated
• Transmitted via blood, semen, vaginal fluids, injecting needles and breast milk
• No cure, but manageable with Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)
• India has the third-largest HIV epidemic globally
Historical Background of National AIDS Control Programme (NACP)
• Launched in 1992 by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
• Implemented by the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO)
• Supported by WHO, UNAIDS, World Bank
• Evolved through four phases:
• NACP I (1992–1999) – Awareness
• NACP II (1999–2006) – Prevention + Surveillance
• NACP III (2007–2012) – Targeted interventions
• NACP IV (2012–2017) – Consolidation + integration
• NACP V (2021-2026) – Aims to accelerate reduction of new HIV infections
and AIDS-related deaths.
Vision & Goal
• Vision: "Paving the way for an AIDS-free India"
• Goal:
• Halt and reverse the HIV epidemic
• Reduce new HIV infections by 50% from 2007 baseline
• Provide universal access to HIV prevention, care, and support
Objectives of NACP
• Prevent new infections through behavior change and education
• Improve access to free testing and treatment
• Reduce stigma and discrimination
• Build a sustainable and integrated response
• Strengthen surveillance and monitoring systems
Key Strategies
• Targeted interventions for high-risk groups:
• Female sex workers, MSM, transgender people, IDUs
• General population outreach: youth, migrants, truckers
• HIV Counseling & Testing Services (ICTCs)
• Free ART services in public hospitals
• PPTCT: Prevention of Parent to Child Transmission
• Condom promotion and needle-syringe exchange programs
Institutional Framework
• NACO – apex body at national level
• State AIDS Control Societies (SACS) in all states/UTs
• Partnerships with NGOs, civil society, private sector
• District AIDS Prevention and Control Units (DAPCUs)
Testing & Treatment Services
• ~25,000+ Integrated Counseling and Testing Centres (ICTCs)
• ~700+ ART Centres and ~1200 Link ART Centres
• Free distribution of 1st and 2nd line ART drugs
• Viral load testing introduced for monitoring treatment
• Mobile ICTCs for hard-to-reach populations
Prevention Services
• A. Targeted Interventions
• Focused programs for high-risk populations
• Condom distribution, STI treatment, safe sex education
• B. General Population
• School and college programs
• Red Ribbon Club initiatives
• Media campaigns: TV, radio, social media
• Workplace interventions in industries
Support Services
• Community Care Centres for PLHIV (People Living with HIV)
• Nutritional support, mental health counseling
• Drop-in centres managed by NGOs
• Social protection: pensions, scholarships, ration cards
Blood Safety & Surveillance
• Mandatory HIV testing of all blood donations
• 100% voluntary blood donation drive
• HIV sentinel surveillance at designated sites
• Real-time monitoring through SIMS (Strategic Information Management System)
Outcomes & Achievements
• 57% decline in new HIV infections (2000–2019)
• 66% reduction in AIDS-related deaths
• India provides free ART to ~1.6 million people
• Increased condom use & awareness levels
• Integration of HIV services into general healthcare (Ayushman Bharat)
Challenges Ahead
• Late diagnosis and delayed ART initiation
• Persistent stigma and discrimination
• Limited access in rural/remote areas
• Retention and adherence to ART
• Rise of co-infections: TB, Hepatitis B/C
Future Directions
• Achieve 95-95-95 WHO targets:
• 95% of people with HIV diagnosed
• 95% of diagnosed on ART
• 95% of treated with viral suppression
• Introduce long-acting injectable ART
• Expand self-testing and telemedicine
• Promote inclusive policies & community empowerment
• Strengthen adolescent and migrant outreach
Summary
• India’s NACP is a global model in HIV response
• Tremendous success in reducing new infections & mortality
• Continued efforts needed in awareness, stigma removal, and ART coverage
• Multi-sectoral and community participation is key to "Ending AIDS by 2030"
