"India remains firmly committed to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030": Permanent Representative to UN Parvathaneni at UN High-Level Meet
New York, June 23
India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Harish Parvathaneni, reaffirmed India's commitment to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 while addressing the High-Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS at the United Nations on Monday.
Delivering India's national statement on the 2026 Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS, Parvathaneni said India supported the global commitment to ending AIDS and highlighted the country's efforts through the National AIDS and STD Control Programme.
"As we approach the 2030 deadline, the global HIV response stands at a critical juncture. While remarkable progress has been achieved over the past two decades, persistent inequalities, financing constraints, and emerging global challenges continue to threaten these gains. We therefore support the Declaration's renewed commitment to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 and sustaining progress beyond," he said.
Highlighting India's domestic efforts, the envoy said, "At the national level, India remains firmly committed to this goal through the implementation of the National AIDS and STD Control Programme, which is guided by evidence-based planning, community engagement, and integrated service delivery."
He noted that sustained domestic investments had enabled India to reduce new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths while expanding access to prevention, testing, treatment, care and support services.
Parvathaneni welcomed the declaration's focus on country ownership and sustainable financing, stating, "For long-term sustainability, national responses must be led by countries, must be aligned with local epidemiology, and supported by predictable financing and strengthened health systems."
The Indian envoy also highlighted the country's efforts to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of diseases through its Triple Elimination Strategy.
"India attaches high importance to eliminating vertical transmission of HIV and syphilis. We have initiated a Triple Elimination Strategy for HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis B among pregnant women, based on universal antenatal screening, timely linkage to treatment, and follow-up of exposed infants," he said.
He welcomed the declaration's commitment to ending paediatric AIDS and accelerating the elimination of vertical transmission, while also backing integrated responses to HIV, tuberculosis, viral hepatitis and other co-infections.
Underscoring the need for affordable healthcare access, Parvathaneni said, "India further underscores the importance of equitable access to affordable medicines, diagnostics and emerging technologies. The use of the flexibilities available under the WTO TRIPS Agreement remains critical for ensuring access to life-saving health products, particularly for developing countries."
He also acknowledged the role of communities and civil society organisations in strengthening HIV responses and called for meaningful stakeholder engagement in line with national contexts and priorities.
Parvathaneni also reiterated India's readiness to work with international partners to achieve the 2030 goal.
"India remains committed to working with Member States, UNAIDS, and all partners to accelerate progress towards ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, while ensuring that the response remains people-centred, sustainable, equitable, and nationally owned," he said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While I appreciate the commitment, I hope this translates into ground-level action in our villages and urban slums. Many people still don't have access to proper testing or treatment. Need more awareness campaigns and less stigma around HIV/AIDS in our society. The government should work more closely with local NGOs.
Impressive commitment from India. The Triple Elimination Strategy for preventing mother-to-child transmission sounds promising. I'd be curious to see more data on how this is being implemented in rural areas versus urban centers. Hope other nations follow India's lead on integrated approaches.
The focus on community engagement and civil society is spot on. In India, many times the best work happens at the grassroots level through ASHA workers and local health volunteers. They need proper support and compensation though. Also, let's not forget the mental health aspect - living with HIV is not just about physical health.
Good to see India addressing TB co-infections and viral hepatitis alongside HIV. These are major comorbidities in many developing countries. The integrated approach makes sense from both a public health and cost-effectiveness perspective. Let's hope the political will translates into sustained funding.
One thing that worries me is the financing part. We've seen many promises made at international forums but actual budget allocations often fall short. The PM's health schemes are good but need better monitoring. Also, we must address the social determinants - poverty, education, and gender inequality that fuel the epidemic.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.