Chandigarh: In a significant push to accelerate Haryana’s fight against HIV/AIDS and strengthen public health infrastructure, the 23rd Executive Committee Meeting of the Haryana State AIDS Control Society (HSACS) was held today under the chairmanship of Additional Chief Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Sumita Misra.
The meeting approved a series of progressive decisions spanning budget allocations, technological upgrades, expanded testing protocols, and cross-departmental coordination. Budget of Rs. 47.16 Crore Proposed for 2026–27. The committee approved a proposed Annual Action Plan (AAP) for 2026–27 with a total outlay of over Rs. 47.16 crore.
The major allocations include Rs. 16.45 crore for Targeted Interventions and LWS (Link Worker Scheme), 10.90 crore for ICTC/BSD services, Rs. 6.22 crore for Institutional Strengthening, Rs. 4.68 crore for Care, Support and Treatment (ART), Rs. 3.75 crore for IEC activities, and Rs. 1.52 crore for STI services — reflecting a well-rounded commitment to prevention, treatment, and systemic strengthening.
Second Viral Load Laboratory to Be Established in Panchkula
In a major infrastructure development, the committee noted that a second HIV Viral Load Laboratory has been approved and will be made functional at Panchkula within one month. Currently, only one Viral Load Lab at PGIMS Rohtak serves 17 districts, with five additional districts linked to IHBAS, New Delhi.
With the new lab at Panchkula, districts will be re-clustered across three Viral Load Labs — significantly improving access, reducing turnaround time, and easing the burden on the existing facility. In addition, four new CD4 machines have been installed at Kaithal, Hisar, Panipat, and Faridabad and will be operational shortly, further strengthening the state’s diagnostic infrastructure for PLHIV (People Living with HIV) monitoring and care. New CD4 labs to be proposed for Kalpana Chawla Government Medical College & Hospital, Karnal & Civil Hospital Panchkula.
Simultaneous HIV and Syphilis Testing of Pregnant Women and Their Spouses
One of the most significant public health decisions taken at the meeting was the approval of a proposal for simultaneous HIV and Syphilis testing of spouses of all antenatal care (ANC) women. As per NACO’s revised ANC estimation, the screening target in Haryana for FY 2025–26 stands at 5,95,880. Under the new proposal, approximately 12,00,000 dual HIV/Syphilis tests will be required annually to cover both pregnant women and their spouses. Efforts are to be made in order to ensure the Elimination of Vertical Transmission of HIV and Syphilis (EVTHS) to nearly zero.
The committee approved a proposal to develop a secure web-based platform for voice messages, SMS alerts, and follow-up reminders to all PLHIVs — improving treatment adherence, reducing loss to follow-up, and enabling timely engagement with the healthcare system.
The committee reviewed encouraging progress in HIV testing and treatment linkages. The department is committed to achieving the ambitious 95–95–99 targets in the fight against HIV/AIDS—ensuring that 95% of all People Living with HIV (PLHIV) are identified, 95% of those diagnosed are promptly linked to and retained on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), and 99% of those on treatment achieve sustained viral load suppression.
Focused efforts are being made through intensified awareness campaigns, expanded testing services, strengthened ART delivery systems, and regular monitoring to ensure adherence and treatment success. This integrated and result-oriented approach not only improves the quality of life for PLHIV but also plays a crucial role in preventing new infections.
Dr. Misra stressed the importance of inter-departmental coordination to maximise impact. “Swift and sustained awareness is key to breaking stigma and ensuring early detection,” Dr. Misra stated. “We must reach every worker—formal or gig—to safeguard lives and achieve our 95-95-99 targets.”
The Labour and Industries Department was urged to implement HIV/AIDS workplace policies across all large establishments and integrate HIV prevention in their CSR activities. The Education Department was called upon to open Red Ribbon Clubs in all government and private colleges, implement the Adolescence Education Programme in schools, and ensure non-discrimination with HIV-positive students. The Women and Child Development Department was requested to sensitise CDPOs and Anganwadi Workers on HIV/AIDS, particularly on EVTHS, through structured training programmes.
