India’s Fight Against AIDS by 2030: NACP V & The Role of World AIDS Day 2025

Every year, World AIDS Day is observed globally on December 1. This day is a chance to review the progress made in the fight against HIV/AIDS and to confirm the commitment to ending the epidemic by 2030.
In 2025, the theme is “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response”. This theme highlights the need for strong, inclusive, and community-based health systems that can handle challenges like pandemics and inequalities.

India’s Fight Against AIDS by 2030: NACP V & The Role of World AIDS Day 2025

India’s Commitment: India has renewed its goal to end AIDS by 2030. This is being achieved through stronger policies, community outreach, and the current phase of the National AIDS and STD Control Programme (NACP). The NACP is a globally recognized model for effective HIV control.

India’s AIDS Control Journey

India’s national response started in the mid-1980s. The entire strategy is led by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), which operates under strong political support. India’s approach has moved from just an emergency response to a long-term, policy-driven intervention focused on human rights and healthcare equity. Today, India runs one of the largest and most effective HIV control programmes worldwide.

Phases of National AIDS Control Programme (NACP)

The NACP has guided India’s fight against the epidemic through several structured phases:

• NACP I (1992–1999): The first structured response aimed at slowing the spread of HIV.
• NACP II (1999–2006): Focused on reducing transmission and building sustainable national response mechanisms.
• NACP III (2007–2012): Aimed to halt and reverse the epidemic. It expanded prevention for High-Risk Groups (HRGs) and increased treatment access.
• NACP IV (2012–2017): Set targets like a 50% reduction in new infections. It was extended until 2021 to meet the global goal of ending AIDS by 2030.

Key Achievements during NACP IV:

1. HIV/AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017: A law to protect the rights of People Living with HIV (PLHIV), prevent discrimination, and guarantee confidentiality.
2. Test and Treat Policy: Starting Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) immediately after a positive diagnosis.
3. Routine Viral Load Monitoring: To regularly check the effectiveness of the treatment.

• NACP V (2021–2026): The current phase, launched with a budget of ₹15,471.94 crore. It aims to achieve the 2030 goal of eliminating AIDS as a public health threat by providing comprehensive testing, treatment, and preventive services.

Legal Framework and Community Efforts

The HIV/AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017 is key. It ensures that PLHIV are protected from discrimination and establishes Ombudsmen in States/UTs to handle complaints.

NACO also leads nationwide awareness campaigns using multimedia, social media, and community outreach like folk performances and training for frontline workers (ASHAs, SHGs, etc.) to combat stigma. As of October 2025, India manages 1,587 Targeted Intervention (TI) projects for high-risk groups.

India’s successful, data-driven, and rights-based strategy has made it a global leader and a model for other developing nations. The country is fully aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goal 3.3 (ending AIDS by 2030).

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Question & Answer

Q1. World AIDS Day is observed annually on which date?
A) December 10
B) December 1
C) November 30
D) January 1
Answer: B) December 1

Explanation: World AIDS Day is observed on December 1 each year to raise global awareness about HIV/AIDS and support people living with HIV.

Q2. What is the main goal that India has set for ending AIDS as a public health threat?
A) 2035
B) 2028
C) 2030
D) 2025
Answer: C) 2030

Explanation: India aims to eliminate AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 3.3.

Q3. Which phase of the National AIDS and STD Control Programme (NACP) is currently active (2021–2026)?
A) NACP III
B) NACP IV
C) NACP V
D) NACP VI
Answer: C) NACP V

Explanation: NACP V is the active phase from 2021 to 2026, focusing on achieving the elimination of AIDS by 2030.

Q4. The HIV/AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017 primarily focuses on:
A) Providing free medication only to children.
B) Prohibiting discrimination against People Living with HIV (PLHIV).
C) Controlling the price of diagnostic kits.
D) Funding global AIDS research.
Answer: B) Prohibiting discrimination against People Living with HIV (PLHIV).

Explanation: The Act aims to protect the rights of PLHIV, prevent discrimination in employment, education, and healthcare, and ensure confidentiality of HIV status.

Q5. Which organization is the key national body leading India’s response to HIV/AIDS?
A) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
B) NACO (National AIDS Control Organisation)
C) ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research)
D) WHO (World Health Organization)
Answer: B) NACO (National AIDS Control Organisation)

Explanation: NACO is the central government body responsible for planning and implementing strategies for HIV/AIDS prevention and control in India.

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