Health Ministry Holds Suraksha Workshop to Boost HIV Response

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has stepped up efforts to tackle HIV/AIDS in India by focusing on stronger action at the district level. As part of this initiative, the Suraksha Sankalp Karyashala was recently held in Delhi, bringing together health officials and programme teams to improve the country’s HIV response strategy, particularly in Haryana and Delhi.

The workshop, organised by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), aimed to review current progress, identify gaps, and develop practical strategies to improve HIV testing and treatment, as well as prevention. It reflects a growing emphasis on district-level healthcare planning, where local authorities play a crucial role in achieving national targets.

Speaking at the event, Dr Rakesh Gupta, Additional Secretary and Director General of NACO, noted that while India has made steady progress in controlling HIV, there is still work to be done. He stressed the importance of meeting the 95-95-95 global HIV targets, ensuring that most people living with HIV are diagnosed, receive treatment, and achieve viral suppression.

Data shared during the workshop showed that Haryana is making encouraging progress, with a strong treatment and viral suppression rate. However, Delhi continues to face challenges, particularly in linking diagnosed individuals to timely treatment. These differences highlight the need for stronger HIV awareness and prevention efforts at the local level.

Another key topic discussed was the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission, which is largely avoidable with early testing and proper care. Officials emphasised improving antenatal screening and ensuring that pregnant women have access to essential services.

The government has already identified priority districts for HIV intervention across the country, including several in Haryana and Delhi. Teams from these districts actively participated in discussions, sharing their experiences and working together on solutions tailored to their specific challenges.

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Overall, the workshop marks an important step toward a more coordinated and effective public health initiative India. By strengthening district-level action, improving awareness, and ensuring better access to care, the government aims to move closer to its goal of ending AIDS by 2030, while also focusing on HIV treatment accessibility and long-term disease control.