NACO stands for National AIDS Control Organization. It is an acronym used to refer to the prominent body responsible for leading and coordinating the prevention and control efforts of HIV/AIDS in India.
NACO, established in 1992, operates under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of the Government of India. Its primary objective is to facilitate the formulation, implementation, and monitoring of policies related to HIV/AIDS prevention and control across the country.
The organization focuses on several key areas, including awareness campaigns, prevention and harm reduction strategies, testing and counseling services, treatment and care facilities, and research and surveillance. NACO plays a vital role in coordinating and supporting various interventions targeting high-risk groups such as sex workers, injecting drug users, men who have sex with men, and transgender individuals.
NACO works closely with state AIDS control societies and other stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of its programs and policies. It allocates funds, provides technical guidance, and evaluates the impact of interventions on reducing the prevalence of HIV/AIDS.
By adopting a comprehensive and multi-sectoral approach, NACO strives to make essential services accessible to those affected by HIV/AIDS. It aims to reduce new infections, eliminate discrimination, improve the quality of life for those living with HIV, and eventually halt the spread of the epidemic in India.
