National Aids Control

Programme

by : THE VIVEK LUHAR

 What Is NACP??

HIV/AIDS : a critical public health issue in

National AIDS Control Programme was launched in India
India
in the year 1987. The Ministry of Health and Family
Welfare
has set up National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) as
a
separate wing to implement and closely monitor the
various
WHY ONLY NACP??
components of the programme.
The Aim of the programme is to prevent futher
transmission
of HIV, to decrease morbidity and mortality associated
with
the infection and to minimize the socio-economic
impact
caused by the HIV infection.
The Milestones 1986 - First case of HIV detected.
- AIDS Task Force set up by the
of the NACP ICMR.
- National AIDS Committee
established under the
Ministry of Health.
1990 - Medium Term Plan
launched for four states and
the four metros.

ALL 1992 - NACP-I launched to slow

down the spread of
EYES HIV infection.
ON NACP - National AIDS Control Board
constituted.
- NACO set-up
The Milestones 1999 - NACP-II begins, focussing
on behaviour change,
of the NACP increased decentralization
and
NGO involvement.
- State AIDS Control
Societies established.
2002- National AIDS Control
Policy adopted.
- National Blood Policy adopted.
ALL
EYES 2004- Anti-retroviral
treatment initiated.
ON NACP
The Milestones 2006- National Council on

of the NACP AIDS

constituted under
chairmanship of the
Prime Minister.
- National Policy on Paediatric
ART formulated.
2007- NACP-III launched for
5 years (2007-2012).
2014- NACP-IV launched for 5
ALL years (2012-2017).
EYES 2017- National Strategic Plan
for HIV/AIDS and STIs
ON NACP 2017-2024
 Country's Scenerio
Based on sentinel surveillance data, the HIV prevalence in adult population
can be broadly classified into three groups of States/Uts and one for districts in
Gourp 1 country. Group 2
High Prevalence States : includes states of Moderate Prevalence States :
Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, includes states of Gujarat, Goa and
Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry where HIV infection has
Manipur and Nagaland where the HIV
crossed 5% or more among high
infection has crossed
risk groups but the infection is
5 per cent mark in high-risk group and
1% or more in antenatal women.
below 1% in antenatal women.

Group 3 Group 4
Low Prevalence States : includes In the country, the districts have been
classified according to the epidemiological and
remaining
vulnerability-criteria using the sentinel
states where the HIV infection in
surveillance data for the last 3 years.
any of the high risk groups is
Accordingly, 156 districts
still less than 5% and is less than have been classified as category A.
1% among antenatal women.
 HIV Sentinel Survelliance
Objectives Of This
Surveillance
1. To determine the level of HIV
infection among general
population as well as high-risk
groups in different states;
4. To provide information for
prioritization of programme
2. To understand the trends of
resources and evaluation of
HIV epidemic among general
programme impact; and
population as well as high-risk
groups in different states;
5. To estimate HIV
prevalence
3. To understand the geographical
and
spread of HIV infection HIV burden in the country.
and to identify emerging
pockets;
 INTEGRATED
COUNSELLING AND
TESTING
CENTRES
Diverse models of HIV counselling and testing
services
are available to increase access to HIV
diagnosis, these
include testing services in health care facilities,
standalone sites and community-based
approaches at various levels of public health
systems in India from state, district, sub-district
 Differentiate States and
Union Territories (UT) according to three
predominantepidemiological contexts :
Overview 01 Overview 02

States/UT with a 'mature' epidemic where Those States/UT where there are
HIV incidence and prevalence are high 'emerging' epidemics
in key, bridge and other at-risk populations with relatively new and rising rates
and, in some cases, in other segments of infection among
of the general population. key, bridge and other at-risk
populations.
Overview 03
States/UT with 'low' or stable epidemics where
there is
still a need to focus on potential
risks among key, bridge
and other at-risk populations, to maintain the
low infection rates
and eliminate HIV transmission.
 Information, Education and
Communication
Communication is the key to generate awareness on prevention as well as
motivating access to testing, treatment, care and support. Communication in
NACP-IV is directed at:
Aim 1 Aim 2
a. To increase knowledge among To sustain behaviour change in high risk
general population groups and
(especially youth and women) on safe bridge populations;
sexual behaviour;

Aim 3
Aim 4
To generate demand for care,
To make appropriate changes
support and treatment
in societal norms that
services; and
reinforce positive attitude,
beliefs and practices to reduce
stigma and discrimination.
 This programme runs
in secondary and senior secondary
schools to built up life skills
of adolescents to cope with the
Adolescence
physical and psychological
changes associated with growing up. Education
Under the programme,
16 hour sessions are scheduled during the
academic terms of
Programme:
class IX and XI.

State AIDS control society have further

adapted the modules after state level
consultations with
NGOs, academicians, psychologists and
parent-teacher
bodies. This programme is being
implemented in 23 states
and currently 50,000 schools
have been covered.
 Red Ribbon Clubs

Red Ribbon Clubs: The purpose of Red Ribbon Club

formation in colleges is to encourage peer-to-peer
messaging on HIV prevention and to provide a safe
space for young people to seek clarifications of
their
doubts and myths surrounding HIV/AIDS.
The RRCs also promotevoluntary
blood donation
among youth. Currently,
12,546 Red Ribbon
Clubs are functioning under
the programme.
 Conclusion
The National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) has played a
pivotal role in India’s fight against HIV/AIDS by adopting a
multi-faceted, strategic, and inclusive approach. Through its
phased implementation, the programme has successfully
reduced HIV prevalence, increased awareness, and improved
access to testing, treatment, and care services.
Its focus on prevention, especially among high-risk groups,
along with stigma reduction and community participation,
has made it a cornerstone of public health in India.
Continued commitment, innovation, and integration with
broader health systems will be essential to sustain and build
upon these achievements in the years ahead.
Thank You