Evolution and Evaluation Of Indian Health Policies with Reference To HIV/AIDS

Abstract

India’s response to HIV/AIDS over the last two decades has constantly evolved and been proved effective in terms of reduction of the prevalence rate and deaths caused due to the epidemic. This paper outlines the prevention strategies and measures undertaken at a central as well as state level for testing, treatment and combating the spread of the virus. It further assess the National Health Policies and National AIDS Control and Prevention Plans with reference to HIV/AIDS specific interventions to gauge a clear understanding of adopted strategies and its overall impact from early 1990s to present. The paper also illustrates specific evidences from the states of Maharashtra, Manipur, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat to build up a reference on how policies have been evolved and decentralised to ensure timely treatment and reach to all key and high-risk population based on state specific need. It advocates for continuance of such successfully adopted qualitative strategies along with a massive scaling up and an effective change in socio-behavioural aspects to further reach the goals of “Zero New Infections, Zero AIDS related deaths and Zero discrimination.”