People and groups involved in anti HIV/AIDS programmes should keep a close watch on the emergence of resistance to the existing treatment regimen as it could pose a serious challenge in curbing the dreaded disease, a top government official said today.
"The HIV/AIDS control programme has shown tremendous success in India. But at the same time, it is important to have close monitoring on the treatment and the emergence of resistance. It can pose a serious challenge," said VM Katoch, secretary, department of health research, Union ministry of health and family welfare.
He warned about too many stakeholders doing too many things relating to HIV/AIDS treatment. The government does not want a repeat of anything similar to malaria or complications of tuberculosis, in the case of HIV.
Katoch, who is also director-general of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), was speaking after inaugurating a four day international conference on "Emerging Frontiers and Challenges in HIV/AIDS Research".
Since the number of cases had reduced, it is important to closely watch those undergoing treatment. Stakeholders must work in tandem to keep the infection under check, he said.
Chander Puri, CEO of Yashraj Biotechnology, said the consistent viral variation, emerging new infections, different immunological responses in host and resistance to therapies are still recognised as major impediments in developing effective therapeutic drugs and preventive tools for HIV/AIDS.
Seth Berkley of the US-based International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), said world needs a prevention revolution to control the spread of HIV/AIDS.