Context: World AIDS Day is observed every year on 1 December, and the 2025 global theme is “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response.” The theme underscores the need to rebuild resilient HIV services disrupted by pandemics, inequalities, and funding constraints, while accelerating progress toward global elimination targets.
About World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day was established in 1988 by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and later guided by UNAIDS, becoming the first international health awareness day.
Its key objectives include:
- Raising awareness about HIV prevention, testing, and treatment
- Combating stigma and discrimination
- Mobilising global solidarity toward ending AIDS as a public health threat
The observance aligns with the UNAIDS 95-95-95 target and SDG 3.3, which aims to end AIDS by 2030.
UNAIDS 95-95-95 Goal
- 95% of people living with HIV diagnosed
- 95% of those diagnosed on antiretroviral therapy (ART)
- 95% of those on ART achieving viral suppression
India’s AIDS Response
India’s AIDS programme is led by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Institutional and Policy Framework
- Implemented through National AIDS and STD Control Programme (NACP) Phases I–V
- Focus areas: awareness, prevention, testing expansion, free ART, and targeted interventions
- HIV & AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act 2017:
- Prohibits discrimination
- Ensures confidentiality
- Mandates informed consent for HIV testing and treatment
Key Initiatives
- Test & Treat Policy (ART for all diagnosed patients)
- Mission Sampark to re-engage patients lost to follow-up
- Expansion of Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTCs) and ART centres nationwide
Impact
Between 2010 and 2021:
- New HIV infections fell by ~46%
- AIDS-related deaths dropped by ~77%
These improvements reflect enhanced treatment access, targeted outreach, and community-led approaches.
Understanding HIV–AIDS
Cause
- HIV attacks CD4+ T-cells, progressively weakening immunity.
- Untreated infection may progress to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
Transmission
- Unprotected sexual contact
- Contaminated needles
- Unsafe blood transfusion
- Mother-to-child transmission
Treatment
- Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) reduces viral load, prevents progression to AIDS, and lowers transmission risk—forming the basis of the “treatment-as-prevention” model.
India Status
- India has an estimated 2.4 million people living with HIV.
- The epidemic is concentrated among high-risk groups:
- Sex workers
- Men who have sex with men (MSM)
- People who inject drugs (PWID)
- Transgender persons
- Migrant labour
- Truckers
Conclusion
World AIDS Day 2025 reinforces the global commitment to restore disrupted services, advance equity, and strengthen community-led interventions as India moves toward eliminating AIDS as a public health threat. With legal safeguards, expanded ART access, and strong institutional frameworks, India continues to make significant strides in prevention and treatment.