Chennai, Nov 30 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M. K. Stalin, emphasized the government's unwavering dedication to eradicating new HIV/AIDS infections by the year 2030. He stated that the State's longstanding and consistent efforts have positioned it significantly ahead of the national average.

Speaking at a gathering on World AIDS Day 2025, which is commemorated on December 1, CM Stalin attributed Tamil Nadu's advancements to nearly four decades of steadfast political resolve, robust public health initiatives, and active community involvement.

Reflecting on the fact that Chennai was the site of India's first detected HIV case in 1986, CM Stalin remarked that Tamil Nadu has embarked on a "long and resolute 39-year journey" from that alarming moment to becoming one of the leading states in the nation for HIV prevention and treatment.

He credited this success to ongoing efforts spearheaded by the Tamil Nadu State AIDS Control Society (TANSACS), in collaboration with NGOs, healthcare institutions, and community organizations.

Furthermore, he highlighted that Tamil Nadu has successfully lowered its HIV prevalence rate from 1.11 percent in 2002 to a remarkable 0.16 percent in 2023–24, a figure that is notably less than the national average of 0.23 percent and a standard many other states aspire to achieve.

CM Stalin pointed out that these favorable outcomes were made possible by the State's extensive network of care facilities, which now comprises 2,600 integrated counselling and testing centers, 81 anti-retroviral therapy (ART) centers, and 172 link ART units functioning across various districts.

He also underscored the state's thorough maternal health protocols, whereby all expectant mothers are screened for HIV and syphilis to prevent mother-to-child transmission, a program that has significantly reduced new pediatric HIV cases.

Reaffirming the government's social commitment, CM Stalin mentioned the monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,000 provided to 7,618 children affected by HIV to support their nutrition, education, and healthcare needs.

Referring to this year's theme for World AIDS Day, "Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response," CM Stalin stated that the path forward demands renewed strategies to tackle emerging vulnerabilities in a swiftly evolving world.

He called upon the public to reject stigma and discrimination, advocating for the treatment of individuals living with HIV with dignity, respect, and compassion as Tamil Nadu strives for a future devoid of new HIV/AIDS infections.