What are the salient features of NACP-V and Sampoorna Suraksha Kendra (SSK) as per the National AIDS Control Organization? How is NACP-V built upon the game-changer initiative of the HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Act, 2017?

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Points to Remember:

  • Salient features of NACP-V (National AIDS Control Programme – V)
  • Salient features of Sampoorna Suraksha Kendra (SSK)
  • Relationship between NACP-V and the HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Act, 2017

Introduction:

The fight against HIV/AIDS in India has evolved significantly over the years. The National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) has been instrumental in this fight, with its various phases adapting to the changing epidemiological landscape and advancements in prevention and treatment. NACP-V, the fifth phase, represents a significant step forward, building upon previous successes and incorporating lessons learned. A crucial component of NACP-V is the Sampoorna Suraksha Kendra (SSK), integrated centers designed to provide comprehensive HIV/AIDS services. The HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Act, 2017, provided a crucial legal framework for strengthening the national response, upon which NACP-V is directly built.

Body:

1. Salient Features of NACP-V:

NACP-V aims to achieve the 95-95-95 targets set by UNAIDS (95% of people living with HIV knowing their status, 95% of those diagnosed receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 95% of those on ART achieving viral suppression). Key features include:

  • Strengthened Surveillance: Improved data collection and analysis to better understand the epidemic’s dynamics and target interventions effectively.
  • Enhanced Prevention Strategies: Focus on key populations (men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender persons, people who inject drugs (PWID), and sex workers) through targeted interventions, including condom promotion, harm reduction strategies, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
  • Universal Access to ART: Expansion of ART access to all individuals diagnosed with HIV, irrespective of their CD4 count. This includes decentralized ART delivery through various healthcare settings.
  • Integration of Services: Combining HIV services with other health services, such as tuberculosis (TB) and maternal and child health, to improve efficiency and reduce stigma.
  • Community Engagement: Active involvement of affected communities in program design, implementation, and monitoring. This includes community-based organizations (CBOs) playing a vital role in service delivery.
  • Focus on Adolescents and Young People: Specific programs targeting adolescents and young people to prevent new infections and promote early testing and treatment.

2. Salient Features of Sampoorna Suraksha Kendra (SSK):

SSKs are integrated centers providing a comprehensive package of HIV/AIDS-related services under one roof. Key features include:

  • One-Stop Shop: Offering testing, counseling, ART, STI management, and other related services in a single location.
  • Decentralized Services: Bringing services closer to the community, reducing geographical barriers to access.
  • Client-Centered Approach: Prioritizing the needs and preferences of individuals living with HIV.
  • Confidential and Stigma-Free Environment: Creating a safe and supportive space for individuals to access services without fear of judgment or discrimination.
  • Capacity Building: Training healthcare workers to provide high-quality services.

3. NACP-V and the HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Act, 2017:

The HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Act, 2017, acts as a game-changer by providing a strong legal framework for the fight against HIV/AIDS. NACP-V is directly built upon this Act by:

  • Strengthening Legal Protections: The Act criminalizes discrimination against people living with HIV, ensuring their rights are protected. This facilitates better access to services and reduces stigma.
  • Promoting Universal Access to Treatment: The Act supports the expansion of ART access, aligning with NACP-V’s goal of universal access.
  • Empowering Communities: The Act promotes community participation in program implementation, mirroring NACP-V’s community-based approach.
  • Providing a Legal Basis for Interventions: The Act provides a legal framework for various interventions, such as harm reduction strategies and PrEP, which are crucial components of NACP-V.

Conclusion:

NACP-V, with its emphasis on universal access to ART, strengthened prevention strategies, and community engagement, represents a significant advancement in India’s fight against HIV/AIDS. The SSKs play a crucial role in delivering comprehensive services in a client-centered and stigma-free environment. The HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Act, 2017, provides the necessary legal foundation for NACP-V’s ambitious goals. Moving forward, continued investment in community-based interventions, strengthening surveillance systems, and addressing social determinants of health are crucial for achieving the 95-95-95 targets and ultimately ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic in India. This requires a holistic approach, incorporating public health measures with social justice and human rights principles to ensure a sustainable and equitable response.

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