Sun Nov 30 19:03:32 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten news article:

Summary:

The AIDS Society of India is urging India to strengthen its efforts in combating AIDS by implementing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and taking a leading role in global self-financing and sustainable HIV/AIDS solutions. While India has made progress, it still has a significant number of people living with HIV. The availability of effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) has greatly improved the lives of those with HIV, but preventing new infections is crucial. India’s largely government-funded HIV/AIDS program places it in a position to guide other nations in developing sustainable solutions, especially in light of funding withdrawals by major global players.

News Article:

India Urged to Boost AIDS Fight with PrEP and Global Leadership

Chennai, December 1, 2025 – The AIDS Society of India (ASI) is calling on India to intensify its efforts in the fight against AIDS, advocating for the implementation of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and urging the nation to take a leading role in developing sustainable, self-financed solutions globally.

In a press release issued yesterday, the ASI, a professional body of physicians and researchers in HIV care, highlighted India’s progress while emphasizing the need to do more. The United Nations estimates that 2.54 million people in India are living with HIV, with over 68,000 new infections reported last year.

The advent of potent antiretroviral therapy (ART) has dramatically improved the quality of life for those living with HIV, with research showing that those on ART with viral suppression have similar life expectancies to those without HIV. However, India currently lacks a PrEP program, which the ASI believes is a critical gap that must be addressed to achieve zero new infections. New drugs like lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable antiviral medicine, allow for twice-yearly HIV prevention if used as PrEP.

“The HIV response has already saved 26.9 million lives worldwide. With an HIV prevention revolution, we could end AIDS as a public health threat, saving many more lives,” said UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima, as quoted in the release.

The ASI’s call also comes at a critical juncture in global funding for HIV/AIDS programs. The recent withdrawal of funding by the United States has disrupted treatment and prevention efforts worldwide. With 95% of its HIV treatment and prevention funded by the government, India is well-positioned to guide low- and middle-income countries toward nationally-owned, led, sustainable, inclusive, and multi-sectoral solutions.

“India can help lead global efforts for low and middle-income countries to take ownership of, and support HIV prevention and treatment efforts through nationally-owned and led, sustainable, inclusive and multisectoral solutions” said N. Kumarasamy, Vice President of the AIDS Society of India, in the release.

Read More