(a) whether any new vaccine has been prepared to cure the AIDS;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether it is a fact there is an alarming increase in the incidence of AIDS in India;
(d) if so, the total estimated number of people affected by it; and
(e) the specific action plan, if any, to fight this disease?
MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (DR. C.P. THAKUR)
(a)to(e): A statement is laid on the table of the Lok Sabha.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 343 FOR 21.3.2001
There is no vaccine developed so far in the world to cure the AIDS. However, 26 candidate vaccine(s) have been developed and are in Phase I, II and III clinical trials.
There is no alarming increase in HIV infection in the country as evident from nationwide sentinel survey conducted during the year 1998, 1999 and 2000.
Based on the nationwide sentinel survey conducted for HIV prevalence in the country in 1998, 1999 and 2000, the estimated number of infections was 3.5 million, 3.7 million and 3.86 million respectively. The population covered under the surveillance was in the age groups of 15-49 years. It shows that there is a slow increase in HIV infections in the country.
For the effective prevention and control of HIV/AIDS in the country, a comprehensive National AIDS Control Programme is in implementation as a centrally sponsored scheme in all States/UTs through State AIDS Control Societies with an outlay of Rs. 1425 crores for the five years period 1999-2004. The key components of the programme are :
1. Priority targeted interventions for populations at high risk
This component of the project aims to reduce the spread of HIV in groups at high risk by identifying target populations and providing peer counseling, condom promotion, treatment of sexually transmitted infection etc. This component is being delivered largely through Non Government Organisations and Community based Organisations.
2. Preventive interventions for the general population
The main activities are: (a) Information, Education & Communication and awareness campaigns; (b) voluntary testing and counseling; (c) reduction of transmission by blood transfusion; and (d) prevention of occupational exposure Community involvement in rural areas and urban slums is secured through Family Health Awareness Campaign held periodically through out the country.
3. Low cost care for people living with HIV/AIDS
Under this component, financial assistance is provided for home based and community based care, including availability of cost effective interventions for common opportunistic infections.
4. Institutional strengthening
This component aims to build effective capacity and technical managerial and financial sustainability at National, State and Municipal levels to strengthen surveillance activities and build strong Research & Development component, including operational research etc.
5. Inter-sectoral collaboration
This component promotes collaboration amongst the public, private and voluntary sectors. The activities related to HIV/AIDS prevention and control are being coordinated with other health programmes within the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and other Ministries and Departments. The efforts aim towards finding space in existing National programme of other social sector, Ministries like Women & Child Development, Social Justice and Empowerment, Youth Services etc. for HIV/AIDS awareness programme. Large employer ministries like Steel, Railways, Defence, Shipping & Transport are also involved in carrying out workplace intervention programmes. Efforts are on to build partnerships with private sector, industry through business coalitions.