Suraksha Sankalp Workshop Focuses on Strengthening HIV Response in Delhi and Haryana

Suraksha Sankalp Workshop Focuses on Strengthening HIV Response in Delhi and Haryana​

Health Ministry Pushes District-Level Action to Improve HIV Diagnosis, Treatment, and Retention​

New Delhi, March 20: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Friday organized the Suraksha Sankalp Workshop in New Delhi to strengthen the HIV/AIDS response at the district level, with a specific focus on Delhi and Haryana, according to an official statement.

The workshop, conducted by the National AIDS Control Organisation, brought together district programme teams to review progress, discuss operational challenges, and formulate targeted action plans aimed at improving grassroots-level HIV interventions.

Collaborative Platform to Enhance HIV Treatment Outcomes​

The Suraksha Sankalp Workshop serves as a collaborative platform connecting national, state, and district stakeholders. It focuses on improving treatment linkage and retention, increasing viral load suppression among people living with HIV, and expanding outreach efforts among vulnerable and key populations.

Discussions during the workshop emphasized strengthening programme implementation through inter-sectoral convergence, capacity building, and robust monitoring systems. Key focus areas include early diagnosis, timely initiation of Anti-Retroviral Therapy, sustained treatment adherence, and eliminating stigma and discrimination.

Focus on 95:95:95 Global HIV Targets​

Rakesh Gupta, Additional Secretary and Director General of NACO, highlighted the globally endorsed 95:95:95 targets. These targets aim for 95 percent of people living with HIV to know their status, 95 percent of diagnosed individuals to receive sustained Anti-Retroviral Therapy, and 95 percent of those on treatment to achieve viral suppression.

Haryana has reported a ratio of approximately 81:83:95, indicating steady progress while also underscoring the need to improve diagnosis and treatment linkage.

Delhi Faces Treatment Linkage Challenges​

Delhi continues to face notable gaps in HIV treatment coverage, with only about 70 percent of identified individuals currently linked to or receiving treatment. This highlights the need for urgent efforts to improve treatment access and retention in the capital.

Gupta reiterated that HIV/AIDS remains a significant public health concern, requiring continued vigilance, innovation, and coordinated efforts across all levels of governance.

Priority Districts Identified for Intensified HIV Interventions​

The ministry has identified 219 districts nationwide for intensified HIV interventions. Among these, 11 districts are in Haryana and seven are in Delhi, reflecting targeted efforts in high-priority regions.

HIV Prevalence in Delhi and Haryana​

Delhi currently has an adult HIV prevalence of 0.33 percent, with an estimated 59,079 people living with HIV. Haryana reports a slightly lower prevalence of 0.24 percent, with an estimated 59,642 people living with HIV.

The workshop marks a continued effort by the government to strengthen India’s HIV response through localized strategies and coordinated public health action.