SURGUJA has achieved a significant milestone in HIV control, becoming the first district in Chhattisgarh to attain the ‘Safe’ category under the Government of India’s Mission AIDS Suraksha initiative, according to the district administration. The district has identified 824 people living with HIV, of whom 801 have been initiated on antiretroviral therapy (ART). The health department has also reported viral load suppression of more than 99 per cent among patients undergoing treatment. The next objective is to achieve ‘Safe Plus’ status, with a renewed focus on early diagnosis, continuity of treatment and the prevention of mother-to-child transmission. Notably, mission AIDS Suraksha is part of the National AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infection Control Programme, implemented by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

 

The programme aims to identify people living with HIV, ensure timely access to treatment and maintain viral suppression to improve health outcomes and reduce the risk of further transmission. According to the district health department, Surguja falls within the moderate HIV prevalence category, alongside Bilaspur. Officials attribute the achievement to coordinated efforts under the leadership of Collector Ajit Basant, involving health authorities, testing and counselling centres, ART facilities, laboratory services and the District AIDS Control Programme. The programme focuses on expanding HIV testing, ensuring that people diagnosed with the infection receive treatment, and maintaining viral suppression. Progress towards ‘Safe Plus’ status will require further efforts to prevent new infections and strengthen measures to prevent transmission from mother to child.

 

Collector Ajit Basant said efforts would be intensified to encourage voluntary testing among people at higher risk, ensure HIV screening for pregnant women and provide timely treatment to those diagnosed with the infection. Strengthening viral load monitoring and bringing patients who have discontinued treatment back into care would also remain priorities. The health department has emphasised that an HIV diagnosis need not prevent a person from leading a long and healthy life. With timely diagnosis, consistent treatment and appropriate medical care, people living with HIV can manage the infection effectively.

 

Ensuring confidentiality, providing equitable access to treatment and eliminating discrimination remain essential to the programme’s success. Dr Shailendra Gupta, in-charge of the District AIDS Control Society, said the district’s next goal was to progress from ‘Safe’ to ‘Safe Plus’ status. This would require sustained efforts to improve treatment continuity, prevent new infections and reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission. The achievement marks an important step in Surguja’s HIV control efforts. Sustaining these gains will depend on reaching people who remain undiagnosed, ensuring uninterrupted treatment and making quality care accessible to everyone living with HIV.