NACO, Health Ministry signs MoU with Ministry of Social Justice to increase HIV prevention Outreach

Appreciating NACO for its notable achievements, Dr Harsh Vardhan stated that it is indeed commendable that NACO has worked with some of the most vulnerable people. It has played a very big role in significantly reducing the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the country and that too faster than the global rates. He added that the impact of the programme has been significant with more than 80% decline in estimated new infections from the peak of epidemic in 1995. “Similarly, estimated AIDS related death declined by 71% since its peak in 2005. As per UNAIDS 2018 report, the global average for a decline in new infections and AIDS related deaths from peak has been 47% and 51% respectively,” Dr Harsh Vardhan mentioned. He further said that the Government is fully committed to meeting all the set goals to eliminate HIV/AIDS by 2030.

Dr Harsh Vardhan further said that this is one of the most important MoUs. It will help in developing specific strategies and action plans for HIV and AIDS prevention and mechanisms for drug addiction treatment and extending social protection schemes to the vulnerable populations. Speaking on the key deliverables of the MoU, he stated that the MoU will help in developing human resources and build capacity in order to strengthen the service delivery mechanisms for HIV & AIDS prevention, drug addiction treatment and referral to services offered by National AIDS Control Programme and DoSJE. The Union Health Minister further said that it aims at reducing incidence of social stigma and discrimination against victims of drug abuse and Children and People Living with HIV/AIDS. “It aims to promote enabling environment based on no stigma and discrimination,” Dr Harsh Vardhan added.

Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey, MoS (HFW) said that MOUs with other Ministries are low investment and high impact initiatives that help in leveraging each other’s strength. He emphasized on enhancing awareness of the target population.

Shri Rattan Lal Kataria, MoS (DoSJE) said that the MoU will help in reaching out to the marginalized groups and will provide opportunity for empowerment and access to social protection schemes by the high risk population, persons engaged in begging, People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV), and Children affected by HIV & AIDS (CABA). The Minister also appreciated MoHFW for its initiatives.

The MOU will catalyze in achieving the national goals and objectives of HIV prevention and impact mitigation. Through this MoU, the services of various institutes under DoSJE such as National Centre for Drug Abuse Prevention (NCDAP), National Institute of Social Defence (NISD), Integration Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCAs) will be leveraged for the execution of activities laid out in the MoU.

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