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In 1986, when Suniti Solomon diagnosed the first cases of HIV in India, the nation was unprepared for the scale of the crisis to come. Her groundbreaking work not only placed India on the global HIV map but also inspired a generation of caregivers, researchers, and policymakers. Solomon’s vision materialised as YRGCARE in Chennai, an organisation that blended compassion with cutting-edge science to address the HIV epidemic. Today, YRGCARE is still engaged in tackling the changing landscape of HIV in India.
There continue to be many challenges, though treatment modalities have come a long way. Some of the key challenges are:
Stigma continues to deter many from seeking diagnosis and treatment. In rural and urban India alike, misconceptions about HIV, exacerbated by social and cultural biases, lead to delayed care. The rise of digital misinformation further complicates efforts, requiring robust awareness campaigns tailored to counter these challenges.
Access to healthcare remains a challenge, again. While India’s ART program is one of the largest globally, disparities in access persist. Rural populations, marginalised communities, and women often face logistical and financial barriers to accessing healthcare. Expanding differentiated care models like community-based ART delivery and telemedicine can help close these gaps.
As the very important task of spreading awareness continues, traditional awareness campaigns must be reimagined to reach younger populations and high-risk groups. Introducing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) offers new possibilities, but widespread adoption in the country requires increased awareness, affordability, and accessibility. Virtual interventions are the big game changers in this area, due to their reach across the younger population in the current internet era. This has to be fully leveraged through innovative approaches specific to HIV care continuum.
It is also very important to integrate HIV and broader health systems. As HIV increasingly intersects with non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, integrating HIV care into primary healthcare systems is crucial. This holistic approach ensures comprehensive care and long-term sustainability, addressing co-morbidities while advancing the fight against HIV.
Achieving viral suppression remains the ultimate goal. This involves ensuring treatment adherence, monitoring viral load effectively, and providing mental health support to people living with HIV. Empowering individuals with consistent care and community-driven solutions can reduce transmission rates and improve their quality of life. YRGCARE, in observance of World AIDS Day 2024, and to remind people that HIV continues to be an infection that should not be ignored, has displayed the red ribbon in three prominent locations in Chennai.
This initiative is a powerful awareness symbol, encouraging citizens to reflect on the epidemic and its ongoing impact. Suniti Solomon believed in the power of hope and humanity to drive progress. She once said, “Hope is our greatest ally in the fight against HIV.” YRGCARE continues to build partnerships with governments, civil society, and global organisations to end the AIDS epidemic.
Despite the many health crises the world has faced across timelines, including the recent COVID-19 pandemic, HIV continues to be a relentless challenge. Having claimed over 40 million lives globally, HIV remains not only a public health issue but also a profoundly personal burden for the individuals infected and those in their lives who are affected. Its impact resonates through families, communities, and systems, demanding persistent focus and innovation.
The road ahead is challenging, but with commitment, collaboration, and compassion, a future without AIDS is within reach.
(The authors are with Y.R. Gaitonde Medical Research and Education Foundation, Chennai. info@yrgcare.org)
Published – November 30, 2024 08:42 pm IST
