New Delhi – The Government of India has set a definitive goal to achieve HIV epidemic control by 1 December 2027, coinciding with World AIDS Day. This target is being pursued through Mission AIDS Suraksha, a strategic initiative by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare to accelerate the country’s progress toward the global goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
The Strategy: 95-95-99 Targets
To reach the 2027 milestone, India is fast-tracking efforts to meet the global 95-95-99 targets:
- 95% of all people living with HIV (PLHIV) should know their status.
- 95% of those diagnosed should receive sustained antiretroviral therapy (ART).
- 99% of those on treatment should achieve viral suppression to prevent further transmission.
Priority Districts and Intensified Action
The government has identified 219 high-priority districts across 18 states for intensified HIV/AIDS interventions. These districts were selected based on high infection rates, prevalence, and disease load. To mobilize local leadership, NACO is conducting a series of “Suraksha Sankalp Karyashalas” (workshops) across the country—including recent sessions in Guwahati, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Pune—to develop district-specific, time-bound action plans.
Focus on the Northeast and High-Risk Groups
Special attention is being directed toward the Northeastern region, which houses 60 of the 219 priority districts (excluding Sikkim). In states like Nagaland and Tripura, the mission is addressing specific challenges such as rising Injecting Drug Use (IDU). Furthermore, the mission aims to eliminate the vertical transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B from mother to child.
Implementation and Monitoring
The initiative emphasizes a “whole-of-system synergy” and a decentralized, data-driven approach. District Collectors and senior health officers are being empowered with simplified guidebook manuals to manage local programs effectively. The ultimate goal is to convert all districts into “Surakshit+” (Safe+) zones by improving treatment linkage, ensuring continuous monitoring, and reducing the stigma associated with the infection.
