Azad pledges resource support to UN Aids-Control Program

Making this assurance to UNAIDS executive director Michael Sidibe here today, Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said, "The budget as required will be provided by the Government for the successful implementation of the next phase of NACP."

He also assured Sidibe of the government's commitment towards prevention and control of HIV.

Azad also briefed the UNAIDS delegation on new initiatives taken by the Ministry to ensure convergence of schemes like the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram and HIV reduction efforts to further bring down maternal mortality rate and infant mortality rate.

Sidibe, in his meeting with Azad, congratulated India for its excellent performance in preventing the spread of HIV and remaining low prevalence country.

He also remarked that India has made a significant achievement in reducing new HIV infections by 56 per cent over the last decade.

The UNAIDS Executive Director said this achievement needs to be showcased in international fora like the upcoming International AIDS Conference so that other nations can learn from India's story.

He also stated that India could help other countries in building capacities and sharing the models that they have developed. He also lauded the role of Indian generic industry in reducing the cost of drugs. PTI SKC