World AIDS Day is an occasion to introspect on what has been achieved and to focus on what more needs to be done to stop the spread of HIV infection, which has been ravaging populations around the globe. Since the detection of the first case of HIV in India in 1986, the number of affected people in the country is now estimated to be over 5.2 millions. Though this is less than 1% of the country's population, we cannot afford to be complacent, as the epidemic has been spreading, from urban to rural areas also, with the youth and women becoming increasingly vulnerable.

India has taken initiatives to prevent and control AIDS right since 1986 when the National AIDS Committee was set up, followed by the launch of the National AIDS Control Programme in 1987. Subsequently the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) was constituted, and the first phase of National AIDS Control Programme was launched in 1992. In the launch of the second phase of the National AIDS Control Programme in 1999, a number of policy initiatives were taken up which have focused on health educational activities, HIV preventive measures among high risk population groups, communication campaigns to disseminate information on all aspects of AIDS in order to promote safe behavioural practices and access to prevention, care, support and treatment services, as also setting up of AIDS diagnostic, treatment and care services, and providing access to safe blood. In 2005, the National Council on AIDS chaired by the Prime Minister was constituted for main streaming the programme in all ministries, civil society and private sector. These initiatives have been supported by the political leadership, government and non-government organizations, various civil society institutions, business houses, and the media, who have all rallied together and worked for a strong, focused, and committed response to control the spread of HIV/AIDS.

India is now moving towards the next phase of NACP which will seek to consolidate the gains and scale up the initiatives so far taken, with the objective of halting and reversing the spread of the epidemic over the next 5 years.

Against this background the release of a postage stamp on World AIDS Day on 1st December 2006 reflects our country's commitment to check the spread of this deadly disease. India Post is proud to issue this stamp which will help carry forward the message of combating AIDS, a critical issue for humankind, which is engaging the urgent attention of nations around the world.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India