Introduction

World AIDS Day is a global observance held on December 1 every year to raise awareness about the HIV/AIDS epidemic, remember those who have died from HIV-related illnesses, and support people living with HIV/AIDS. It was first marked in 1988 by the World Health Organization (WHO) and has since become a platform for governments, communities, and individuals to unite in the fight against the disease. The theme for this year is “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response.” It emphasises the need to not only preserve past progress but transform HIV services to make them more resilient, equitable, and community-led. This theme highlights the urgency of addressing disruptions caused by pandemics, conflicts, and inequalities that limit access to care. India marks World AIDS Day each year through nationwide awareness campaigns, community outreach activities, and renewed government commitments led by the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

India’s Journey

India’s AIDS Control Programme is globally acclaimed as a success story.[1] The initial phase (1985-1991) focused on identifying HIV cases, ensuring safe blood transfusions, and generating targeted awareness. The response gained momentum with the launch of the National AIDS and STD Control Programme (NACP) and the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) which was established in 1992 under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to coordinate a multi-sectoral national strategy. Over time, the focus of NACP shifted from a national response to a more decentralised response and to increase involvement of NGOs and networks of People Living with HIV (PLHIV).

The National AIDS Control Programme (NACP)

It has evolved through five phases, shifting from basic awareness to comprehensive prevention, testing, treatment, and sustainability.

NACP I (1992–1999)

• Launched India’s first comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention and control programme.
• Aim: Slow the spread of HIV and reduce morbidity, mortality, and overall impact of AIDS.

NACP II (1999–2006)

• Focused on two key objectives:
  • Reduce the spread of HIV in India.
  • Strengthen long-term national capacity to respond to HIV/AIDS.

NACP III (2007–2012)

• Goal: Halt and reverse the HIV epidemic by 2012.
• Strategy:
  • Scale up prevention among High-Risk Groups (HRGs) and the general population.
  • Integrate prevention, care, support, and treatment services.
• Key addition: Creation of District AIDS Prevention and Control Units (DAPCUs) for district-level coordination and monitoring, including stigma/discrimination reporting.

NACP IV (2012–2017)

• Goal: Accelerate reversal of the epidemic and ensure an integrated response.
• Objectives:
  • 50% reduction in new infections (compared to 2007 baseline).
  • Provide comprehensive care, support, and treatment for all PLHIV.
• Extended (2017–2021) to advance the goal of Ending AIDS by 2030.
• Major initiatives during extension:
  • HIV/AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017)- It prohibits discrimination against people living with HIV (PLHIV), ensures confidentiality, and mandates informed consent for testing and treatment while promoting prevention and access to care.
  • Mission Sampark- Its purpose was to “bring back” people living with HIV (PLHIV) who had stopped antiretroviral therapy (ART) — i.e. to trace and re-engage those “lost to follow-up”. It uses a community-based testing and follow-up approach.
  • ‘Test and Treat’ policy (initiating ART for all diagnosed cases)
  • Routine Universal Viral Load monitoring

NACP V (2021–2026)

Launched as a Central Sector Scheme with an outlay of Rs. 15,471.94 crore, Phase-V aims to build on past achievements and address persistent challenges. The goal of this Phase is to support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 3.3 by helping end the HIV/AIDS epidemic as a public health threat by 2030 through comprehensive risk use of prevention, testing, and treatment services.   

Steps Taken by the Government for HIV/AIDS Awareness

1. Strengthening Nationwide Awareness Campaigns

NACO leads national HIV/AIDS awareness efforts through comprehensive multimedia campaigns. Mass media, digital platforms, and social media are used to reach broader and younger audiences.

2. Expanded Outdoor Outreach

Awareness strengthened through hoardings, bus panels, information kiosks, folk performances, and IEC vans. These tools help promote services and facilities available across the country.

3. Community-Level Awareness Programs

• Training and sensitisation conducted for Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Anganwadi Workers, ASHAs, Panchayati Raj members, and others. These grassroot initiatives promote behavioural change and overall community awareness.

4. Targeted Interventions for High-Risk Groups

• 1587 Targeted Intervention projects rolled out across the country as on October  2025. This ensures equitable access to prevention, testing, treatment and care services.

5. Thematic Campaigns Against Stigma and Discrimination

Nationwide thematic campaigns launched to reduce stigma and promote inclusion of People Living with HIV (PLHIV). These campaigns are also implemented across workplaces, healthcare settings, educational institutions and communities.

6. Appointment of Ombudsmen in States/UTs

• Under the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017, Ombudsmen have been appointed in 34 States/UTs, who address complaints related to discrimination against PLHIV. This reinforces government’s commitment towards protecting dignity and rights of PLHIV.[4]

Conclusion

India's journey in combating HIV/AIDS embodies a compelling narrative of resilience, innovation, and shared dedication. From the foundational efforts of the early National AIDS and STD Control Programme phases to the forward-looking ambitions of NACP-V, the nation has exemplified leadership via rights-focused policies, community-driven prevention strategies, and extensive media initiatives. India's AIDS decline is more prominent than the global average, supported significantly by broadened testing, enhanced access to antiretroviral therapy, focused outreach to high-risk groups, and initiatives to combat stigma, all implemented through collaborative state and community actions. This enduring battle against HIV/AIDS illustrates a resolute evolution from immediate crisis management to enduring strength, safeguarding human rights, and empowering community voices at the forefront.

References:

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare:

• UNAIDS Estimates 2025
• Sankalak 7^th Edition
• India HIV Estimates 2025

Click here to see pdf 

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