India reports highest decline in HIV infections

New Delhi: There has been a 66 percent decline in the estimated number of annual new HIV infections in the country from 2000 to 2015, against the global average of 35 percent.

AIDS-related deaths declined by 54 percent from 2007 to 2015 against the global average of 41 percent decline during 2005 to 2015, stated the Minister of State (Health and Family Welfare), Ms Anupriya Patel recently in a written reply on the floor of parliament.

The government of India has launched the seven-year National Strategic Plan on HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) 017-24, which aims to attain universal coverage of HIV prevention, treatment to care continuum of services that are effective, inclusive, equitable and adapted to needs of the people living with HIV.

The National Strategic Plan aims to work towards reaching the UN Sustainable Development Goals.