United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)

Why in the News?

According to the UNAIDS Director, without India’s significant contribution, the world is unlikely to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

What is HIV/AIDS?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells, weakening the body’s ability to fight infections and diseases.
AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the most advanced stage of HIV infection, where the immune system is severely damaged, leading to life-threatening infections and cancers.
HIV is transmitted through contact with infected body fluids, such as blood, semen, and breast milk.
Although there’s no cure, antiretroviral therapy (ART) can manage HIV and prevent the progression to AIDS.

India’s progress in reducing HIV Infections

From 2010 to 2023, India reduced annual new HIV infections by 44%, which is better than the global average.
India has also made impressive progress in reducing AIDS-related deaths by nearly 80% between 2010 and 2023, surpassing the global average.
Challenges:
- In 2023, India saw 68,000 new infections, meaning around 185 people were infected each day.
- The Global AIDS Strategy calls for 80% of prevention services to be delivered by community-led organizations.
- These organizations are best placed to reach key populations, but they need adequate resources and space to lead these efforts.

About UNAIDS (Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS):

	Details
Established	In 1996, by United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
Headquarters	Geneva, Switzerland
Main Purpose	To coordinate global action to combat HIV/AIDS, prevent infections, and support those affected
Mandate	• Coordinate the global response to HIV/AIDS • Support countries in HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment strategies • Advocate for human rights and equality in access to HIV services
Principle	*Greater Involvement of People Living with HIV (GIPA)*, endorsed by the UN in 2001 and 2006
Global Targets	90-90-90 targets: 90% diagnosed, 90% on treatment, 90% virally suppressed by 2020
Global AIDS Strategy	2021-2026: Aim to end inequalities driving HIV and ensure 30 million on treatment by 2025
Cosponsors	11 UN organizations, including UNICEF, WHO, UNDP, UNESCO, World Bank
Key Areas of Focus	Supporting countries to meet SDG 3: End AIDS by 2030. • HIV prevention • Treatment access • Human rights advocacy • Gender equality • Youth and adolescents
Funding	Donors include governments, private foundations, and corporations
Key Campaigns	World AIDS Day (December 1), global awareness and advocacy efforts
Achievements	Significant progress toward the 90-90-90 targets, especially in countries like South Africa, Cambodia, and Eswatini

PYQ:

[2013] Which of the following diseases can be transmitted from one person to another through tattooing?

Chikungunya
Hepatitis B
HIV-AIDS

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3