Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) has emerged as one of the most serious public health problem in the country after reporting of the first case in 1986

The trends of HIV infection in India are alarming• Spread from Urban to Rural Areas• Low Literacy Levels• Inadequate Understanding of Serious Implications

of HIV• Not Taking HIV as Priority by the Civil Society• Average Prevalence Rate = 0.7%• 80% of Reported Cases are of 15 – 44 yrs age

group

• The Government of India recognized the seriousness of the problem soon after the first HIV/AIDS case.

• A series of important measure were take to tackle the epidemic.

• A National AIDS Committee was constituted in 1986

• National AIDS Control Programme in 1987

• Decrease the practice of professional blood donations• Develop skills in clinical management, health education

and counseling, and psychosocial support• Control of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD)• Monitor the development of the HIV/AIDS

Over the years the HIVAIDS epidemic has moved from urban to rural India and from high risk to general population largely affecting youth.

2.5 million people in India, aged between 15 and 49, are estimated to be living with HIVAIDS

Most HIV infections in India occur through heterosexual transmission

• 3. Strengthening the infrastructure, systems and human resources in prevention, care, support and treatment programmes at the district, state and national levels.

• 4. Strengthening a nation-wide Strategic Information Management System.

The specific objective of the above strategy is to reduce new infections as estimated in year 1 of the programme by:

· (60%) in high prevalence states so as to obtain the reversal

of the epidemic. · (40%) in the vulnerable states so as to

stabilize the epidemic.