Introduction
While our adolescent programs focus on prevention and early support, our Care and Support Services for People Living with HIV ensure that long-term, patient-centered care remains accessible and dignified. At DC, we are committed to building responsive, inclusive health systems that support treatment adherence, re-engagement, and social integration.
Launched in August 2024 in Delhi, the program tackles critical challenges such as lost-to-follow-up cases, late initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART), and the enduring stigma surrounding HIV.
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It is specially designed to reconnect individuals with care through a community-led approach that goes beyond clinical treatment, addressing the emotional, social, and structural needs of people living with HIV (PLHIV). This work is implemented through SSHAKTI - Care and Support Centre 2.0, a program supported by the Global Fund, YRGCARE, and HLFPPT.
Background
In 2021, India revised its care and support strategies under NACP V to ensure comprehensive HIV treatment, including OIs, is provided through civil society organizations. The Development Consortium (DC), supported by the YR Gaitonde Medical, Educational, and Research Foundation (YRGCARE), is implementing the Care & Support Centre 2.0 (CSC 2.0) program from April 2024 to March 2027. This initiative builds on the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) to address critical gaps in care and support for People Living with HIV (PLHIV).
Program Focus: CSC 2.0 aims to:
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Facilitate early initiation of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)
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Track and re-engage individuals lost to follow-up (LFU)
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Support viral suppression
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Connect PLHIV to essential social entitlements
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Targeted groups include newly diagnosed PLHIV, pregnant and lactating women, HIV-exposed infants, and those lost to follow-up, ensuring comprehensive care throughout the HIV treatment continuum.
Goals and Objectives
Improve the survival and quality of life of PLHIV by enhancing retention, adherence, and viral suppression.
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Key Objectives: Aligned with NACP V, CSC 2.0 focuses on:
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Ensuring 95% of PLHIV know their status and are on treatment
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Achieving 95% viral load suppression among those on treatment
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Ensuring 95% of pregnant and breastfeeding women with HIV achieve viral suppression to eliminate vertical transmission.
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The Care & Support Centre complements ART centres by ensuring PLHIV stay engaged in care. Key areas include:
Retention in HIV Care
Viral Load Testing
Index Testing
Elimination of Vertical Transmission of HIV & Syphilis
Implementation Strategy
Key Activities: The following activities are vital for achieving CSC 2.0’s objectives:
The Care & Support Centre 2.0 program is a strategic effort to enhance HIV care and support, ensuring that PLHIV receive the treatment, care, and social support they need to lead healthy lives. This initiative plays a vital role in achieving India’s goal of eliminating HIV and its impact by 2030.