NEW DELHI: The Cabinet committee on economic affairs on Thursday approved Rs 8,632.77 crore for implementation of the National AIDS Control Programme Phase-IV by the health ministry’s department of AIDS control.
The main objective of NACP IV is to reduce new infections by 50% (2007 baseline of NACP III) and provide comprehensive care and support to all persons living with HIV/AIDS and treatment services for all those who require it.
Under the programme, the government plans to intensify and consolidate prevention services with a focus on high-risk groups and vulnerable population. It will also focus on expanding information, education and communication (IEC) services for general population and high-risk groups (HRGS) with a focus on behaviour change and demand generation.
Other objectives include increasing access and promoting comprehensive care, support and treatment, building capacities and strengthening strategic information management systems.
NACP was started in 1992 with the third phase conducted between 2007-2012 with the objective to "halt and reverse the HIV epidemic In India" by the end of the project. There has been a steady decline in overall prevalence and nearly 50% decrease in new infections over the last 10 years. NACP IV aims to consolidate the gains of NACP III.