AIDS Society of India Calls for Urgent Inclusion of HIV Self-Testing in National Policies

The AIDS Society of India (ASI) has urged the government to swiftly incorporate HIV self-testing and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) into its health policies and programs. This call comes as one in five individuals living with HIV in India remain unaware of their status. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognized HIV self-testing as a crucial component of HIV care in 2019, aimed at bridging the gaps in diagnoses, particularly among key populations.

Dr. Ishwar Gilada, President-Emeritus of ASI, emphasized the necessity of ensuring that all people living with HIV are aware of their status. This awareness is vital for them to access comprehensive HIV care services and maintain a suppressed viral load, which is essential for leading healthy lives and ultimately ending AIDS.

According to the National AIDS Control Organisation’s (NACO) latest 'Sankalak report 2023', 79% of people living with HIV in India are aware of their status, with 86% receiving antiretroviral therapy and 93% achieving viral suppression. However, this means that only 63% of the total population living with HIV in India is virally suppressed, falling short of the target of 86% by 2025.

Dr. Gilada highlighted India’s significant role in the global fight against HIV-related deaths, noting that 92% of individuals living with HIV and those at risk worldwide rely on Indian-made anti-retrovirals. He pointed to recent advancements, such as the successful use of Lenacapavir, which has proven effective in preventing HIV in over 96% of at-risk individuals. However, he noted that PrEP is still not included in India’s National AIDS Control Programme, despite the overall decline in HIV infections due to the extensive implementation of antiretroviral therapy through 750 government-run centers. Since 2020, HIV cases have been rising again, particularly among younger populations.

The ASI reported alarming statistics about HIV prevalence: it is four times higher among migrants, five times higher among truck drivers, nine times higher among inmates in central jails and female sex workers, 16 times higher among men who have sex with men, 18 times higher among hijra/transgender individuals, and 43 times higher among people who use drugs compared to the overall adult HIV prevalence.

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