Question : Epidemics of AIDS- TB and Malaria

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) adopted by member countries of the UN in 2015 has set a target of ending the epidemics of AIDS, TB and Malaria by 2030, if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Indian experience has been more positive but calls for continued vigilance and committed action, if so, the details thereof and steps taken thereon;

(c) whether the HIV related deaths have declined in India and if so, the proportionate decline in such deaths, State/UT-wise;

(d) whether drug treatment of HIV is now well founded with an array of established and new anti-viral drugs, if so, the status of usage of these drugs in India; and

(e) the steps taken to increase awareness among the adolescents and particularly vulnerable groups in States/UTs especially in Andhra Pradesh?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(DR. HARSH VARDHAN)

(a) & (b): Yes. Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) has set a target of ending the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria by 2030. This is the third target under the Goal ensuring healthy lives and promoting the well-being for all at all ages.

Indian experience has been more positive but calls for continued vigilance and committed action. The details for AIDS, TB and Malaria are at Annexure 1.


(c): Yes. HIV/AIDS-related deaths have been declining in the country. As per latest HIV Estimations (2017) Report, estimated AIDS-related deathshave declined nationally by 71% since their peak in 2005 against the global average of 51%. The State/UT-wise detail for estimated HIV/AIDS-related deaths is at Annexure 2.

(d): Yes. Government of India launched the free anti-retroviral therapy (ART) programme on 1st April 2004 at eight government hospitals. As on December 2019, 13.66 lakh HIV infected people are availing free lifelong ART from 552 ART centres supported under National AIDS Control Programme (NACP). The programme has detailed treatment guidelines which keep on evolving based on evidences and extant guidelines, including WHO guidelines, to assist the prescription of ART by Medical Officers under NACP.

(e): Under NACP, the Adolescence Education Programme (AEP) is being implemented through State AIDS Control Societies in coordination with State Council of Educational Research and Training using a 16 hours’ curriculum-based module developed by The National Council of Educational Research and Training, to impart life skills to the students of 8th, 9th & 11th standard.

So far, AEP is being implemented in more than 55000 schools across the country including 7932 schools in Andhra Pradesh.