Empower Your Health: Nadda Urges Urgent Preventive Measures and Early Testing for a Safer Future!
On World AIDS Day, Union Health Minister JP Nadda emphasized the critical role of preventive measures and early testing in the ongoing battle against HIV/AIDS. Observed annually on December 1, this day is dedicated to raising awareness about the epidemic and addressing the unique vulnerabilities faced by children, adolescent girls, and young women, while simultaneously combating the stigma associated with the disease. This year’s theme, “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response,” highlights the need for innovative approaches in the fight against HIV.
Nadda underscored the importance of dispelling the myths surrounding HIV transmission. “World AIDS Day serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of understanding HIV/AIDS, promoting preventive measures, and advocating early testing,” he shared on the social media platform X. He continued, emphasizing the collective responsibility to combat stigma and ensure equal healthcare access for all, stating, “Together, let’s work toward a healthier, more inclusive future.”
According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 40.8 million people were living with HIV globally in 2024. This year alone, about 630,000 individuals succumbed to HIV-related causes, while an estimated 1.3 million new infections were recorded. In a significant achievement, India has reported a 48.7% decline in annual new HIV infections from 2010 to 2024. Similarly, AIDS-related deaths have dropped by 81.4%, and mother-to-child HIV transmission decreased by 74.6%, as per the Health Ministry.
The nation has demonstrated impressive advancements under its National AIDS Control Programme. The Ministry revealed that HIV testing has surged from 41.3 million in 2020-21 to 66.2 million in 2024-25. Access to antiretroviral treatment has also increased significantly, with the number of people receiving treatment rising from 149,400 to 186,000. Furthermore, viral load testing nearly doubled within the same timeframe.
Highlighting regional progress, Dr. Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge for WHO South-East Asia, noted the strides made in the region. The increased access to antiretroviral treatment has led to a 62% reduction in deaths and a 32% decline in new infections from 2015 to 2024. Currently, 85% of individuals living with HIV know their status, with about 2.7 million-74% of those diagnosed-actively receiving treatment. Moreover, 72% have achieved viral suppression. Despite these positive trends, the region still falls short of the global ‘95-95-95’ goal aimed at eliminating AIDS by 2030 due to the substantial ongoing burden of HIV.
In the past year, 88,000 new HIV infections were reported in the region, and approximately 50,000 people died of HIV-related causes. “Currently, around 3.5 million individuals in the region are living with HIV,” Dr. Boehme noted, also highlighting the intertwined challenges posed by the 42 million individuals living with hepatitis B, seven million with hepatitis C, and 60 million with sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
As World AIDS Day serves as a platform for advocacy, it is vital for society to come together, raise awareness, and push for comprehensive healthcare policies that promote understanding and inclusivity, ultimately striving for a future free from the burdens of HIV/AIDS.
Original Source: https://www.thehansindia.com/life-style/health/world-aids-day-nadda-urges-taking-preventive-measures-early-testing-1027599
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Publish Date: 2025-12-01 11:19:00
