National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO)

The recent HIV estimations highlight an overall reduction in adult HIV prevalence as well as new infections (HIV incidence) in the country, although variations exist across the states. The analysis of epidemic projections has revealed that the number of annual new HIV infections has declined by more than 50 percent during the last decade.

Globally, the HIV sentinel surveillance system has been recognised as an optimal mechanism to monitor trends of HIV infection in specific high-risk groups as well as low risk groups.

India’s response to the changing nature of the epidemic is reflected in the policy framework and approaches of the National AIDS Control Programme. The third National AIDS Control Programme Strategy and Implementation Plan (2007-2012) is based on and builds upon the lessons learnt and achievements made in Phase I and II.

The report is prepared by NACO in consultation with civil society and support from development partners. The report presents the overview of epidemic, the strategic national response, its impact and the challenges that lie ahead.

India, along with other Member States adopted the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS, in the United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) on HIV/AIDS in June 2001.

The main objectives of NACP-IV are to reduce new infections and provide comprehensive care and support to all PLHIV and treatment services to all those who require it.

The adult HIV prevalence at the national level has continued its steady decline from an estimated level of 0.41% in 2001 through 0.35% in 2006 to 0.27% in 2011. Similar consistent declines are noted among both men and women at the national level.

The Computerized Management Information System (CMIS) Bulletin aims to promote the use of this information by the project directors and program managers of each component at the national and state levels for program management and problem-solving.

A Computerised Management Information System (CMIS) for monitoring the implementation of the National AIDS Control Programme in India was initiated in 2001. The CMIS has been designed to provide continuous critical information on the response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in India.

A systematic and consultative HIV estimation process has been ongoing in India since 1998. During the year 2005–2006 a series of activities were initiated to improve the estimation methodology, and the input data base for estimation has been enriched with the availability of multiple data sources.