World AIDS Day 2024: Date, Theme, and History

World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1 since its inception in 1988, is a significant global event that brings together communities, organizations, and governments to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and demonstrate solidarity in the fight against this epidemic. It serves as a reminder of the progress achieved in prevention, treatment, and care while also highlighting the ongoing challenges. Recognized as a crucial international health observance, this day aims to promote understanding, reduce stigma, and commemorate the lives lost to AIDS. It also reflects on the role of combating HIV/AIDS in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Right to Health.

2024 Theme: “Take the rights path: My health, my right!”

The theme for World AIDS Day 2024, “Take the rights path: My health, my right!”, underscores the significance of human rights in combating HIV/AIDS. This year’s campaign emphasizes the necessity of ensuring equitable access to healthcare services and empowering individuals to exercise their right to health. It addresses systemic inequalities that limit access to HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services, particularly for vulnerable populations.

By adopting a rights-based approach, the 2024 campaign aims to:

• Foster inclusivity.
• Promote global cooperation.
• Reduce stigma and discrimination.

The theme aligns with the global goal of eradicating AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, advocating for comprehensive, community-led, and sustainable solutions.

History of World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day was first conceptualized in 1988 by James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter, two public information officers at the World Health Organization (WHO). Their initiative aimed to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS during its early outbreak.

Over the years, World AIDS Day has evolved into a platform to:

• Highlight the scientific advancements in fighting HIV/AIDS.
• Reflect on global and national policies.
• Advocate for the rights of people living with HIV (PLHIV).

This observance also pays homage to the lives lost to AIDS-related illnesses and reinforces the global commitment to addressing this public health challenge.

HIV/AIDS: A Global Perspective

Current Status Worldwide

According to the Global AIDS Update 2023 by UNAIDS:

There has been a global reduction in new HIV infections by 39% since 2010.

Countries worldwide are implementing strategies to meet the 95-95-95 goals, aiming for:

• 95% of HIV-positive individuals knowing their status.
• 95% of diagnosed individuals receiving sustained antiretroviral therapy (ART).
• 95% of those on treatment achieving viral suppression.

Despite progress, stigma, discrimination, and inequalities continue to impede efforts to eradicate AIDS.

HIV/AIDS in India: Achievements and Challenges

Epidemiology of HIV/AIDS in India

The India HIV Estimations 2023 report reveals:

• Over 2.5 million people are living with HIV in India.
• Adult HIV prevalence is at 0.2%, with new infections estimated at 66,400 annually.
• India has achieved a 44% reduction in annual new infections since 2010, outperforming the global average of 39%.

Key Interventions and Services

India has made notable strides in providing free, high-quality ART to 16.06 lakh PLHIV through 725 ART centers. Additionally, 12.30 lakh viral load tests conducted between 2022 and 2023 highlight the government’s commitment to ensuring access to essential care.

India’s Response to HIV/AIDS: Evolution of NACP

Early Efforts and Initiatives (1985-1991)

• India began its fight against HIV/AIDS in 1985 with sero-surveillance to detect the virus in various populations and geographies.
• Focus areas included blood safety and targeted awareness generation.

National AIDS and STD Control Programme (NACP)

The NACP, launched in 1992, marked a turning point in India’s systematic response to HIV/AIDS. Over the years, the program evolved in phases:

NACP Phase-I (1992-1999)

• Focus: Awareness creation and ensuring safe blood supplies.

NACP Phase-II (1999-2007)

• Introduction of targeted interventions for prevention, detection, and treatment.
• Capacity building at state levels.

NACP Phase-III (2007-2012)

• Scale-up of prevention, care, and treatment activities.
• Decentralized management reaching district levels.

NACP Phase-IV (2012-2017)

• Consolidation of earlier efforts with increased government funding.
• Launch of the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017, ensuring equal rights for PLHIV and prohibiting discrimination.

NACP Phase-V (2021-2026)

• Budget: ₹15,471.94 crore.

Goals:

• Reduce annual new infections and AIDS-related mortalities by 80% (compared to 2010 baseline).
• Eliminate vertical transmission and HIV/AIDS stigma.
• Achieve the 95-95-95 targets.

Key Initiatives under NACP

Test and Treat Policy (2017)

Ensures free ART for all diagnosed individuals, regardless of clinical stage.

Mission Sampark (2017)

Aimed at re-engaging PLHIV who had discontinued treatment.

Multi-Month Drug Dispensation

Introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure continuity of ART services.

2024 and Beyond: Ending AIDS as a Public Health Threat

As India continues its efforts under NACP Phase-V, the focus remains on:

• Strengthening community-centered approaches.
• Integrating technology for program monitoring and capacity building.
• Partnering with public and private sectors for cost-effective service delivery.

The success of these strategies will play a pivotal role in achieving the global vision of an AIDS-free world by 2030.

World AIDS Day 2024: News Summary

Aspect	Details
Date	December 1, 2024
Theme	“Take the rights path: My health, my right!”
Objective	Raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, reduce stigma, and emphasize the role of human rights in healthcare access.
Focus Areas	– Ensuring equitable access to prevention, testing, and treatment services.
	– Promoting inclusivity and global cooperation.
	– Highlighting the importance of combating inequalities.
Global Perspective	– 39% reduction in new HIV infections since 2010.
	– Aiming for 95-95-95 targets: diagnosis, treatment, and viral suppression rates.
HIV/AIDS in India	– 2.5 million PLHIV, with adult prevalence at 0.2%.
	– New infections reduced by 44% since 2010 (global average: 39%).
	– Free ART for 16.06 lakh individuals through 725 ART centers.
NACP Phase-V (2021-2026)	– Budget: ₹15,471.94 crore.
	– Goals: Reduce new infections and mortalities by 80% (baseline: 2010).
	– Eliminate vertical transmission and HIV/AIDS-related stigma.
	– Achieve 95-95-95 targets and ensure universal STI/RTI services for at-risk populations.
Key Initiatives in India	– Test and Treat Policy: Free ART for all diagnosed individuals.
	– Mission Sampark: Re-engaging PLHIV who had discontinued treatment.
	– Multi-month drug dispensation and community-based ART refills introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Significance	– Reflects on achievements in combating HIV/AIDS globally and nationally.
	– Advocates for sustained efforts to meet the 2030 goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat.