Mr. President, 

India thanks the President of General Assembly for convening this plenary meeting on the Implementation of the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS and the political declarations on HIV/AIDS. We welcome the statement made by Deputy Secretary General earlier today.

We thank the Secretary General for his report that provides a detailed update on the global fight against AIDS to end the epidemic by 2030. The report recalls the global optimism leading to the adoption of political declaration last year and at the same time also highlights the critical challenges that threaten the momentum gained.We have taken note of the various recommendations of the report to address the persisting issues including investment gap, slow-down in the rate of decrease of new HIV infections and the limited headway made on the first '90' of the 90-90-90 target framework. While domestic investment has climbed steadily in many countries, international funding remains crucial to reach the funding commitment.

Synergizing the efforts to combat HIV/AIDS with the implementation of the SDGs, particularly SDG-3 to 'Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages', is essential in fulfilling the commitments made in the political declarations.

Access to safe, effective, quality and affordable medicines remains critical to combat AIDS, without which we cannot visualize putting 90% of People Living with HIV (PLHIV) on treatment. India remains committed to prioritize SDG-17 on global partnerships in this area. The pioneering role of the Indian pharmaceutical industry in facilitating access to affordable Antiretroviral (ARV) drugs is widely recognized. More than 80% of the quality antiretroviral drugs used globally are supplied the Indian pharmaceutical industry. Government is closely engaged with the industry to ensure that the quality generic ARV drugs from India continue to be available to all those who need it and in this context, and the TRIPS flexibilities need to continue and be strengthened.

Mr. President,

India has been successful in achieving the MDG-6 of halting and reversing the HIV epidemic by 2015. The fact that new infections have declined by 66% from 2000 to 2015, and AIDS-related deaths fallen by 54% from 2007 to 2015, is a concrete proof that India has delivered on its global commitment. 

India has always followed an all-inclusive approach while working with the most affected, high risk and vulnerable populations. The success is based on an exceptional dialogue and collaboration between Government, Parliamentarians, communities, people living with and affected by HIV, civil society organizations and other stakeholders.  A key role is played by one million accredited social activists (ASHA) and over 1.33 million Anganwadi centres (Courtyard shelters)which cater to the health needs of persons residing in rural and difficult to access areas.

India is now building on lessons learnt to redefine the national approach to reach 'the last mile' - in order to ensure a more effective, sustained and comprehensive coverage of HIV/AIDS response related services.

The vision is that of 'Paving the way for an AIDS free India' through 'attaining universal coverage of HIV prevention, treatment to care continuum of services that are effective, inclusive, equitable and adapted to needs'. The goals remain those of the 'Three Zeros' - i.e. zero new infections, zero AIDS-related death and zero discrimination which form the basis of the National HIV/AIDS Control Programme. 

India is also working on two key decisions announced in April 2017 towards 'Ending of AIDS by 2030':

-First, the enactment of the historic 'HIV/AIDS Bill' as a law protecting the human rights of people living with and affected by HIV. The provisions of the Bill seek to address HIV-related discrimination including in treatment, education and jobs. It strengthens the existing programme by bringing in legal accountability and establish formal mechanisms for inquiring into complaints and redressing grievances. 

- Second, the announcement and implementation of 'Test and Treat' policy in line with global guidelines whereby all PLHIV will be offered ART irrespective of their CD4 count/ clinical stage. More than 10 lakh People Living with HIV are on ART in India. 

In order to ensure 90% of PLHIV are on treatment, around 21,000 HIV counselling and testing centres, 1500 targeted interventions and 1635 treatment facilities have been established.

 To achieve the 90-90-90 targets, India has significantly increased domestic resource allocation for HIV and 62% of funds are through the domestic budget.

Mr. President, 

     High risks groups, children, women, young people and persons living with HIV/AIDS must be the focus of HIV/AIDS related interventions. Affected persons need to live a life of dignity, free from stigma and discrimination. The role of family and communities is important to provide an enabling environment and contribute to the fight to eliminate the epidemic. We agree with the SG's report that each region has a unique challenge to address. In this context, interventions on HIV/AIDS must be in tune with national laws, cultural and social contexts.

Capacity building and technology transfer for developing roubust and affordable healthcare systems in developing countries will help fast-track the efforts to eliminate the epidemic by 2030. Combating HIV/IDS and implementing the targets needs sustained commitment of resources, and international community and donors need to continue the support whole heartedly.

I thank you.