Haryana steps uo HIV fight with Rs 47 crore plan, new Panchkula lab approved
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, April 4, 2026: In a major step toward strengthening public health infrastructure and accelerating the fight against HIV/AIDS, the 23rd Executive Committee meeting of the Haryana State AIDS Control Society was held under the chairmanship of Additional Chief Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Sumita Misra.
The committee approved a comprehensive Annual Action Plan (AAP) for 2026–27 with a proposed outlay of ₹47.16 crore.
The budget reflects a balanced focus on prevention, treatment, awareness, and system strengthening. Key allocations include ₹16.45 crore for targeted interventions and the Link Worker Scheme, ₹10.90 crore for ICTC/BSD services, ₹6.22 crore for institutional strengthening, ₹4.68 crore for care, support and treatment (ART), ₹3.75 crore for awareness campaigns, and ₹1.52 crore for STI services.
In a significant development, a second HIV Viral Load Laboratory will be made operational in Panchkula within a month. Currently, the lone facility at PGIMS Rohtak caters to 17 districts, placing a heavy burden on services.
The addition of the Panchkula lab will allow redistribution of districts across three testing centres, ensuring faster results and improved access. Additionally, four new CD4 testing machines have been installed in Kaithal, Hisar, Panipat, and Faridabad, and will soon become operational. New CD4 laboratories are also proposed at Kalpana Chawla Government Medical College, Karnal, and Civil Hospital, Panchkula.
One of the most impactful decisions was the approval of simultaneous HIV and Syphilis testing for spouses of all antenatal care (ANC) women. As per revised estimates by the National AIDS Control Organisation, Haryana aims to conduct around 12 lakh dual tests annually to cover both pregnant women and their partners.
This move is expected to significantly reduce mother-to-child transmission and support the goal of eliminating vertical transmission of HIV and Syphilis.
The committee also cleared the development of a secure web-based platform to send voice messages, SMS alerts, and follow-up reminders to People Living with HIV (PLHIV), aimed at improving treatment adherence and reducing dropouts.
Officials reviewed progress toward achieving the global 95–95–99 targets—ensuring 95% of HIV-positive individuals are identified, 95% of those diagnosed receive sustained treatment, and 99% achieve viral suppression.
Dr. Sumita Misra emphasized the need for strong inter-departmental coordination to tackle stigma and ensure early detection. She urged departments such as Labour, Industries, Education, and Women & Child Development to integrate HIV awareness and prevention into workplace policies, academic institutions, and community programs.
The Labour and Industries Department has been asked to implement workplace HIV policies and include prevention efforts in CSR initiatives. The Education Department will expand Red Ribbon Clubs and strengthen adolescent education, while the Women and Child Development Department will train frontline workers to spread awareness, particularly on preventing mother-to-child transmission.