Maharashtra Achieves 'Surakshit' Status in Six Districts for HIV Response

In a notable public health achievement, Maharashtra has successfully elevated six districts to the 'Surakshit' category in its HIV response initiative. This transition occurred within a six-month period, moving from just one district in the 'Saksham' category and 35 in 'Sangharshil' to now having Dhule, Nandurbar, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, Chandrapur, and Sangli meeting all three HIV targets outlined in the 95:95:95 framework. This advancement was officially recognized in September under the Mobilisation for AIDS Suraksha (MAS) initiative.

The MAS initiative, launched on April 7, aims to ensure that all 36 districts in Maharashtra achieve 'Surakshit' status by the end of 2026. The 95:95:95 targets stipulate that 95% of individuals living with HIV should be aware of their status, 95% of those diagnosed should receive antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 95% of those on treatment should achieve viral suppression. Dr. Sunil Bhokre, the commissioner of urban health in Maharashtra, emphasized the importance of these benchmarks in linking diagnosis with sustained treatment, thereby reducing the risk of HIV transmission.

The progress made is not only significant in terms of the number of districts reaching these benchmarks but also in ensuring that individuals can navigate the entire continuum of care from testing and diagnosis to treatment and ongoing support. Early diagnosis is crucial for timely access to care, while regular follow-ups are essential to prevent treatment interruptions. Bhokre noted that viral-load testing is instrumental in assessing treatment effectiveness and identifying cases needing further support.

Public health officials have highlighted that initiatives like index testing, which offers testing to partners of diagnosed individuals, and the Moonlight Campaign, which conducts night-time community health programs, have significantly improved case detection. These targeted interventions aim to reach populations that may not have access to healthcare during traditional hours. Additionally, the state is collaborating with private medical practitioners to promote early detection and timely referrals.

Looking ahead, Maharashtra's health officials are committed to ensuring that all districts achieve the 'Surakshit' status by December 2026. With the World Health Organization aiming to eliminate the HIV epidemic as a public health threat by 2030, India has set an ambitious goal of achieving the 95:95:95 benchmarks nationwide by 2026. The state is intensifying efforts to test vulnerable communities and raise awareness among youth, reinforcing the need for a collaborative approach to healthcare delivery.