News & Updates

In the last four decades of HIV response, countries have been successful in limiting the spread of HIV. However, experts are worried about recent data showing the slowing down of the progress. India has the world’s third-largest HIV epidemic (after South Africa and Nigeria) with some 2.4 million Indians living with HIV. The Indian HIV epidemic is concentrated among the key populations and marginalized groups. India’s HIV program was one of the largest in the world and is considered a success story. Lung Vu and Suresh Kunhi Mohammed, Health Specialist at the Health, Nutrition & Population, World Bank write how COVID-19 has not only disrupted HIV services but has also widened social and economic inequalities, making marginalized groups more susceptible to HIV infection and less likely to access HIV services. In this article, they share lessons learned from India's successful HIV program and particularly mention how innovative service models pioneered by the HIV response in India are critical in ending inequalities, especially during COVID-19. Click here to read the full article.