The "remarkable" success of National AIDS Control Programme has shown that the target of ending HIV/AIDS by 2030 is realistic and India has reinforced its commitment to fast track the progress on eradicating the pandemic, the government said today.
Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel said in a written reply in Lok Sabha that the government is also increasing allocation of fund to fight HIV/AIDS.
"The remarkable successes of National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) have demonstrated that the target of ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 is realistic and India is one of the leading partners in the global fight against AIDS epidemic," she said.
"India reinforced its commitment to fast track progress on ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 at a high level meeting on HIV/AIDS at the UN General Assembly on June 8 this year," she added.
The government has proposed a five-point strategy for the next five years which include adoption of fast track targets proposed while keeping prevention also in focus, increase investments, ensuring access to affordable medicines and commodity security and creating an inclusive society that values every human life, the Minister said.
The strategy also includes showing global solidarity including all forms of cooperation including North South, South South, multilateral and bilateral cooperation and collaboration between governments, private sector and civil society, she added.
"The government is increasing fund allocation to fight HIV/AIDS. During financial year 2016-17, an amount of Rs 1,710 crore has been alloted to NACP, showing an increase of Rs 104 crore over previous year," Patel said.
The Indian Pharmaceutical industry supplies more than 80 per cent of low cost generic medicines and have been instrumental in scaling up access to HIV treatment not only in India but other parts of the world, she said.
