Keeping alive conversations about AIDS

Source: The Hindu

Relevance: India needs to look for each and every way to control the pandemic. Among that, lessons from chronic diseases might provide some valuable suggestions.

Synopsis: To handle the COVID-19 pandemic, we can learn from the lessons of chronic diseases like HIV/AIDS.

Introduction 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a rare fungal infection of the lungs in five persons on June 5, 1981. The world learned for the first time about the Human Immunodeficiency Virus(HIV) infection in patients with a weakened immune system.

• India became one of the most successful countries in the world in combating the HIV/AIDS disease between 1997 and 2010. In 2012, the Centre hailed the achievement of “managing  AIDS” as a minor step forward in the long process of combating the disease. 
• However, now India is lagging behind the targets. For example;
  • The WHO aimed that 90 percent of persons living with HIV/AIDS will be on antiretroviral medication, by 2020. Now, at least five years have been added to the deadline. 
• Former Union Health Secretary and Director of the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), J.V.R. Prasada Rao, is concerned that the country’s hard-won successes may be jeopardised.

Why India is lagging behind in controlling HIV/AIDS?

The HIV infection diagnosis rate dropped from 60% in 2010 to 23% in 2019. the mortality rate doubled, and new cases spiked five times more during the period.

This happened because the campaign to educate and empower the vulnerable communities, like MSM (men who have sex with men), IDUs (Injecting Drug Users), migrant and sex workers, and truck drivers, is not happening. 

Suggestions

• Firstly, strong political leadership, financial support, advocacy, and activism are crucial in the successful handling of the movement. A long-term view of AIDS beyond the health sector and the socio-economic impacts of the epidemic should be considered.
• Secondly, To contain AIDS, a multi-sectoral and multi-pronged strategy is required. 
  • Supporting science-driven approaches, good quality data, and empirical evidence; and consolidating guidelines are necessary to combat any medical crises.
  • The nationalised AIDS treatment plan is a perfect example of how early detection, diagnosis, and treatment saved many lives. 
• Thirdly, the NACP’s experience in dealing with HIV needs to be tapped into. The existing workforce in 21,000 Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTC) is well-equipped. They can help in the early detection of infections, reduce vulnerability, and link people with care and treatment services. 
• Fourthly, the government needs to change its priorities and re-energise the ICTCs to uphold the right to treatment and the dignity of individuals affected by diseases. Using the available tools in the healthcare system is the best way to mainstream health crises. 

Terms To Know:

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus(HIV)
• Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTC)