Six Maharashtra districts reach 'Surakshit' category in HIV prevention, 23 more 'Saksham'

The state is stressing stronger and more effective services for HIV prevention, testing, treatment, care and support. To this end, the Mobilisation for AIDS Suraksha (MAS) campaign is being run in Maharashtra. The campaign, led by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), is under way across the country.

It began in Maharashtra on April 7, 2026. At that time, one district in the state was in the 'Saksham' category and 35 were in the 'Sangharshsheel' category. In just six months, six districts, Dhule, Nandurbar, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, Chandrapur and Sangli, have met all three targets and moved into the 'Surakshit' category. Another 23 districts have moved up to 'Saksham' by meeting two of the three targets.

Under the classification, a district that meets none or only one of the three 95:95:95 targets is considered 'Sangharshsheel'. A district meeting any two is 'Saksham', and one meeting all three is called 'Surakshit'. A district that meets all three targets and also brings mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B down to zero is placed in the 'Surakshit+' category.

The first 95 means that 95 per cent of all people living with HIV should know their infection status. The second 95 means that 95 per cent of those diagnosed should be on sustained antiretroviral therapy (ART). The third 95 means that 95 per cent of those on treatment should have their viral load suppressed and under control.

To meet the first target, a 'Moonlight Campaign' was run in the districts under the index testing and targeted intervention project. Private doctors were brought in for early detection of infection, timely referral and linking people to testing and treatment. Sensitisation training for them was also stressed.

For the second target, efforts are on to link all newly detected HIV patients to ART on time. Those whose treatment had been interrupted are being brought back to treatment and care through regular follow-up, counselling and coordination among different departments. To strengthen the third target, viral load tests are being done regularly, the reports are being reviewed on time, and necessary treatment and counselling are being provided.

The progress involved contributions from district collectors, chief executive officers of zilla parishads, civil surgeons, district health officers, district AIDS prevention and control units, ICTCs and FICTCs, ART centres, targeted intervention projects, outreach workers, counsellors, lab technicians and several partner organisations. In the remaining districts, the stress is on coordination among departments, regular reviews, beneficiary-centred service and effective action.

All 36 districts of the state have set a goal of meeting these targets by December 1, 2026. Dr Sunil Bhokare, Commissioner of Urban Health and Project Director of the Maharashtra State AIDS Control Society, said the campaign is moving Maharashtra steadily towards its goal.

Health Minister Prakash Abitkar congratulated everyone on the achievement. He said, "Heartfelt congratulations to the entire health system, officers, employees and partner organisations for this remarkable performance." He also said the health department is working more actively to build a safe, capable and healthy Maharashtra.