AIDS deaths in India down 55% since 2007

NEW DELHI: Deaths caused by AIDS declined nearly 55% in India in the past eight years, whereas new HIV infections came down by 66% since 2000.In 2007, India had recorded 1,48,309 such deaths; in 2015, the figure stood at just 67,600, according to latest statistics presented by health minister J P Nadda at an ongoing high-level United Nations meeting in New York. The conclave is evaluating the implementation of the UN AIDS control programme. Globally, such deaths declined 41% between 2005 to 2015.Between 2000 and 2015, new HIV infections in India dropped from 2.51 lakh to 86,000 - compared with a global fall of just 35%.The UN General Assembly has proposed to fast-track implementation of AIDS control strategies to end the epidemic across the world by 2030. Endorsing the proposal, Nadda said countries must adopt the target and collaboratively work to achieve it.Highlighting the importance of affordable medicines to tackle the prevalence of AIDS and India's role in making such drugs available worldwide, Nadda asked the UN to ensure global access to affordable medicines.India, which faced the spectre of disastrous consequences on account of AIDS epidemic 15 years back, has been able to manage the challenge effectively," Nadda told the UN meeting. "Targeted interventions based on close collaboration and empowerment of communities and civil society with appropriate funding from the government have helped deliver key life saving services to the affected population," Nadda said. Seeking higher investment from international public health agencies to end the epidemic, Nadda said, "The role of international assistance and cooperation cannot be underestimated. This is the time for developed countries to do more, not less, and enhance their commitments. We cannot afford to give the epidemic a chance to rebound."The National AIDS Control Programme has been walking a tightrope with international funds drying up over the last three years. This has led to fears about recurrence of new HIV cases. Estimates show a reduction of almost 90% in funding from various multilateral, bilateral and philanthropic donor organisations over the last three years. The government is, therefore, trying hard to seek continuous funding for the programme as it is currently at a critical juncture.Indian firms like Cipla and Dr Reddy's Laboratories supply 80% of the generic drugs used worldwide for treatment of AIDS. However, many of them have been facing tough regulations in several countries because of patent litigations.