Suraksha Sankalp Karyashala

Context:
The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, through NACO (National AIDS Control Organisation), organised the Suraksha Sankalp Karyashala to strengthen district-level HIV/AIDS response in Haryana and Delhi.

Key Highlights:

• Government Initiative / Policy Details

• A national-level workshop initiative focused on data-driven and coordinated HIV/AIDS response
• Conducted under NACO, the apex body for HIV/AIDS control in India
• Emphasises district-level implementation, especially in high-burden areas

• Aim & Targets

• Strengthen HIV care continuum:
  • Diagnosis → Treatment linkage → Viral suppression
• Achieve 95:95:95 targets (often expanded operationally to 95:95:99):
  • 95% diagnosed
  • 95% on treatment
  • 95% virally suppressed
• Contribute to ending HIV/AIDS by 2027–2030

• Key Features

• District-focused approach:
  • Covers 219 priority districts
  • Uses granular, real-time data for interventions
• Whole-of-system coordination:
  • Involves national, state, and district stakeholders
• Evidence-based planning:
  • Focus on monitoring, evaluation, and outcome-based strategies

• Significance

• Improves treatment coverage and adherence
• Enhances viral suppression, reducing transmission rates
• Promotes inclusive, equitable, and stigma-free healthcare delivery

Relevant Prelims Points:

• NACO: Established under Ministry of Health & Family Welfare for HIV/AIDS control
• 95-95-95 Targets (UNAIDS): Global strategy to end AIDS epidemic
• HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus): Attacks immune system (CD4 cells)
• Viral Suppression: Reducing viral load to undetectable levels, preventing transmission

Relevant Mains Points:

• Public Health Governance:
  • Shift towards decentralised, district-level health planning
  • Importance of data-driven healthcare interventions
• Social Sector Challenges:
  • Persistent stigma and discrimination against HIV patients
  • Gaps in awareness, testing, and treatment adherence
• Policy Significance:
  • Aligns with National AIDS Control Programme (NACP)
  • Supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being)
• Challenges:
  • Regional disparities in health infrastructure
  • Need for continuous funding and monitoring mechanisms

• Way Forward:

• Strengthen community participation and awareness campaigns
• Expand digital health systems for real-time tracking
• Ensure last-mile delivery of treatment and testing services
• Integrate HIV services with primary healthcare systems

UPSC Relevance:

• GS 2: Health Governance, Social Sector Policies
• GS 3: Human Development & Disease Control