Context
- Recently, the Karnataka State AIDS Prevention Society (KSAPS) launched a special awareness and screening campaign to improve HIV diagnosis and treatment uptake in the State.
Key Points
- According to the Karnataka State AIDS Prevention Society (KSAPS), around 56,406 people in the State are estimated to be unaware of their HIV-positive status.
- The initiative seeks to strengthen early diagnosis, treatment, and counselling services, especially among people outside the formal healthcare system.
- The campaign has been launched under Project Padma Basavathpatha, which focuses on reaching vulnerable and high-risk populations.
- The programme aims to encourage people to voluntarily undergo HIV testing, as many individuals avoid testing due to stigma and discrimination.
- As part of the initiative, mobile awareness campaigns have been launched in collaboration with the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO).
- BreakFree QR codes have been introduced to enable individuals to access a confidential self-risk assessment and information on HIV testing centres and counsellors.
National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO)
- Established in 1992 under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
- Responsible for implementing the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP).
- India follows the global 95-95-95 targets, which aim to ensure that:
- 95% of people living with HIV know their status.
- 95% of diagnosed individuals receive treatment.
- 95% of those receiving treatment achieve viral suppression.
| About HIV/AIDS HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) attacks the body’s immune system, particularly CD4 (T-helper) cells. If left untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), the most advanced stage of infection. HIV spreads through: Unprotected sexual contact. Infected blood transfusions. Sharing contaminated needles. Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. HIV does not spread through casual contact, food, water, or mosquito bites. |
With reference to HIV/AIDS and the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), consider the following statements:
1. The National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) was established under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
2. HIV primarily attacks the CD4 (T-helper) cells of the human immune system.
3. India follows the global 95-95-95 targets, under which 95% of people living with HIV should achieve viral suppression.
4. HIV can spread through mosquito bites and casual contact.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (b) 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
• Statement 1: Correct. NACO was established in 1992 under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• Statement 2: Correct. HIV attacks the body's immune system, particularly CD4 (T-helper) cells.
• Statement 3: Correct. The global 95-95-95 targets aim to ensure that 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of diagnosed individuals receive treatment, and 95% of those receiving treatment achieve viral suppression.
• Statement 4: Incorrect. HIV does not spread through mosquito bites or casual contact.