NACO Full Form

National AIDS Control Organisation is the full form of Naco. It is a government organisation in India that was formed to help control the spread of HIV/AIDS. The organisation operates at the national level and provides support to state governments in their efforts to prevent and control HIV/AIDS.

Understanding NACO

NACO is responsible for the formulation of the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) in India. The organisation also implements the programme through various activities such as mass media campaigns, prevention and control of sexually transmitted infections, blood safety, human resource development, etc. NACO also provides financial and technical assistance to state governments and non-governmental organisations working in the field of HIV/AIDS.

The National AIDS Control Programme was launched in 1992 and has since been revised and updated several times. The latest version of the programme, NACP IV, was launched in 2012. The objective of NACP IV is to reduce new HIV infections by 75% by the year 2020.

NACO also runs several other programmes such as the National AIDS Research Programme, National HIV Surveillance Programme, National Blood Transfusion Programme, etc.

Roles of the National AIDS Control Organisation

Following are the roles of the National AIDS Control Organisation:

• National AIDS Control Organisation is responsible for creating awareness about HIV/AIDS and helping people prevent it
• It also provides support to those who are affected by HIV/AIDS
• National AIDS Control Organisation also works towards improving the quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS
• National AIDS Control Organisation also researches HIV/AIDS and its prevention
• National AIDS Control Organisation also provides financial assistance to people living with HIV/AIDS

National AIDS Control Organisation is a very important organisation that plays a vital role in the fight against HIV/AIDS. By creating awareness about HIV/AIDS and providing support to those who are affected by it.

Objectives of NACO

NACO has the following objectives:

• To prevent and control HIV/AIDS and its epidemic in India
• To provide technical support to the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) at the central and state level
• To increase awareness about HIV/AIDS among the general public, high-risk groups and other target population
• To mobilize resources for the implementation of the National AIDS Control Programme
• To coordinate and collaborate with national and international agencies for the implementation of the National AIDS Control Programme

Programs of NACO

NACO has initiated many programs. Some of them are:

1. Blood Safety Programme: It aims to provide safe blood and blood products for patients who need them.
2. National AIDS Control Programme: It is the umbrella programme that coordinates all other NACO programmes.
3. Prevention of Mother To Child Transmission (PMTCT): This programme prevents HIV from being transmitted from mother to child.
4. National Strategic Framework for Comprehensive Management of HIV and AIDS: This framework provides the overall strategy for managing HIV and AIDS in India.
5. National Programme on Prevention and Control of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (NPPCSTD): This programme focuses on preventing and controlling sexually transmitted diseases.
6. Support Services for People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA): These services provide support to people living with HIV/AIDS.
7. National AIDS Prevention and Control Policy (NAPCP): This policy provides guidelines for preventing and controlling HIV and AIDS in India.
8. National Guidelines on HIV Testing: These guidelines guide how to test for HIV.
9. National Minimum Standards for Care and Support of People Living with HIV and AIDS (NMSPC): These standards provide minimum requirements for the care and support of people living with HIV and AIDS.
10. National Guidelines on Viral Load Monitoring: These guidelines guide how to monitor the viral load of people living with HIV.
11. National Guidelines on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART): These guidelines guide the use of antiretroviral therapy for people living with HIV.
12. National Guidelines on Adolescent HIV Prevention and Care: These guidelines guide the prevention and care of adolescents living with HIV.

The National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) is a government organisation that focuses on preventing and controlling HIV and AIDS in India. NACO has many programs that aim to create awareness about HIV/AIDS, provide support to those affected by HIV/AIDS, and improve the quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS. NACO is a very important organisation that plays a vital role in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Conclusion 

The National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) is the apex body for the formulation and implementation of policies and programmes for the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS in India. It is also responsible for providing technical assistance to States/UTs for effective programme implementation. NACO has been working relentlessly towards containment of the epidemic through a multi-dimensional approach involving behaviour change communication, condom promotion, blood safety interventions, harm reduction services and targeted interventions among key populations. In addition to this, NACO also supports research on various aspects of HIV/AIDS. With such commendable work being done by NACO, we as students must understand the organisation’s role in combating HIV/AIDS and support its endeavours.