Indian government to spend more on AIDS control

New Delhi: For the first time, the funding for AIDS Control Programme from the Indian government will be more than the funds coming from International donors and agencies. The National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) - Phase IV (2012-2017), which was launched said on Wednesday has a budget outlay of Rs 14,295 crore and the total government support is Rs 11,394 crores forming 63 per cent of total share.

The budget for NACP-III (2007-2012) was Rs 11,585 crores and the governments' share was 25 per cent in that. The budget for NACP-II (1996-2006) and I (1992-1999) was Rs 2,064 crores and Rs 657 crores in which government's share was 9 per cent and 45 per cent respectively. "The programme aims to accelerate the process of epidemic reversal and further strengthen the epidemic response in the country through a well defined integration process over the five-year period, (2012- 2017)," said Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad.

To ensure that HIV positive persons get treatment at an early stage, Health Ministry has revised the eligibility for receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) and increased it from CD4 level of 350 to 500. "The eligibility for receiving ART has been revised from CD4 level of 350 to 500. This step will ensure that HIV positive persons are initiated on treatment at an early stage enhancing their longevity. It will also contribute to preventing new infections as well," said Azad.

He said the second important step to boost AIDS treatment efforts is the introduction of third Line ART for all those who fail on second line ART under the programme. "Reducing stigma and discrimination against HIV infected and affected persons and families will be another high focus area for the coming years," Azad said as he launched the National AIDS Control Programme(NACP)- Phase IV.

The Health Minister also informed that HIV/AIDS Bill has been successfully tabled in Rajya Sabha during the ongoing parliament session and once the bill is passed, it will provide a very robust framework under which the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) will be fully protected. Highlighting some of the key priorities of NACP-IV, Azad said that the programme will also work towards preventing new infections, prevention of parent to child transmission and create awareness among people.

Some of the new initiatives under NACP IV include differential strategies for districts based on data triangulation with due weightage to vulnerabilities, scale up of opioid substitution therapy for IDUs, Female Condom Programme, establishment of Metro Blood Banks and Plasma Fractionation Centre, said Azad.