According to UNAIDS (Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS), approximately 39 million people were living with HIV globally (WHO,2022). The Sub-Saharan Africa remains the most affected region, with a high burden of new infections and deaths. Likewise, despite being home to the world's third-largest population of persons with HIV/AIDS (as of 2018, with South Africa and Nigeria having more), the AIDS prevalence rate in India is lower than that of many other countries. Moving on to India, the adult HIV prevalence rate was 0.2% in 2022, and the estimated number of persons living with HIV was 2.47 million(WHO,2022).

The global number of new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths has declined over the years due to increased prevention efforts, awareness, and access to antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, Certain populations, such as sex workers, men who have sex with men, transgender individuals, and people who inject drugs, are more vulnerable to HIV due to social and structural factors.

The Prevention strategies for HIV infection includes promoting safe sex, condom use, harm reduction for drug users, and addressing mother-to-child transmission. The efforts also focus on reducing stigma and discrimination associated with HIV. On the treatment front, Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been a critical component of HIV management, significantly improving the quality of life for those living with HIV. However, even though access to treatment, care, and support services has expanded, but challenges persist in ensuring universal access.

For instance, according to UNAIDS 90-90-90 program, the organization aim to diagnose 90% of all people living with HIV, provide ART to 90% of those diagnosed, and achieve viral suppression for 90% of those on treatment. To materialize the same, the International AIDS organizations such as the UNAIDS along with different country and state, governments, NGOs, and the private sector have collaborated to address the global HIV/AIDS epidemic. Likewise, the Funding mechanisms, such as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, have also played a crucial role in supporting national HIV programs. More than half of all people living with HIV now have access to HIV therapy, and AIDS-related mortality have practically halved since 2005 as the scales have finally tipped as per the recent reports.

A Public Health Graduate who wish to work in the area of HIV/AIDS can play a crucial role in overseeing and coordinating programs and initiatives related to the prevention, treatment, and management of HIV/AIDS within a community or healthcare organization.

The primary responsibilities of a Public Health Manager in the HIV/AIDS field is highlighted under:

Program Development and Management:

• Designing, implementing, and evaluating public health programs and interventions aimed at preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS.
• Developing strategies for outreach, education, and awareness campaigns to promote HIV/AIDS prevention and testing.

Policy Development:

• Collaborating with public health agencies, governmental bodies, and advocacy groups to develop policies that address HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and support.
• Staying informed about the latest research and developments in the field to inform policy decisions. Community Engagemen.:
• Establishing partnerships with community organizations, healthcare providers, and advocacy groups to enhance community engagement and support.
• Organizing and participating in community events to raise awareness and reduce stigma associated with HIV/AIDS.

Data Analysis and Reporting:

• Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data related to HIV/AIDS prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes.
• Generating reports and presentations to communicate findings to relevant stakeholders and funding agencies.

Resource Management:

• Managing budgets and resources allocated for HIV/AIDS programs.
• Ensuring efficient allocation of resources to maximize the impact of interventions and services.

Staff Supervision and Training:

• Supervising and supporting a team of public health professionals, educators, and outreach workers.
• Providing training and professional development opportunities to enhance the skills and knowledge of staff members.

Collaboration with Healthcare Providers:

• Collaborating with healthcare providers to ensure the integration of HIV/AIDS services into general healthcare settings.
• Facilitating communication and coordination among various healthcare professionals involved in HIV/AIDS care.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Establishing and implementing systems for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS programs.
• Using feedback and data to make informed adjustments and improvements to existing initiatives.

Advocacy:

• Advocating for policies and resources that support individuals affected by HIV/AIDS.
• Representing the organization in advocacy efforts at local, regional, and national levels.

Therefore the scope of practice and growth for a Public Health Specialist in the field of HIV/AIDS is broad and . The Table 2 highlights the areas under HIV-AIDS public health domain to define the
SCOPE OF WORK.

Disease Prevention and Education: Developing and implementing strategies for preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS through education, awareness campaigns, and outreach programs.

Community Engagement: Building relationships with community organizations, advocacy groups, and healthcare providers to engage the community in HIV/AIDS prevention and support efforts.

Policy Development: Contributing to the development of policies at local, regional, and national levels to address the social, economic, and healthcare aspects of HIV/AIDS.

Program Development and Management: Overseeing the planning, implementation, and evaluation of public health programs focused on HIV/AIDS prevention, testing, treatment, and support.

Data Analysis and Research: Utilizing data analysis to understand the prevalence and trends of HIV/AIDS, identify at-risk populations, and inform evidence-based interventions.

Resource Allocation and Management: Managing budgets and resources effectively to ensure the efficient delivery of services and programs.

Collaboration with Healthcare Providers: Collaborating with healthcare professionals to integrate HIV/AIDS services into broader healthcare systems and ensuring a continuum of care.

Capacity Building: Building the capacity of healthcare professionals, community workers, and public health staff through training and development programs.

Monitoring and Evaluation: Implementing systems to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS programs and interventions, making data-driven improvements.

Advocacy and Stigma Reduction: Advocating for the rights and well-being of individuals affected by HIV/AIDS and working to reduce stigma associated with the disease.

Global Health Initiatives: Contributing to global health initiatives and collaborations to address HIV/AIDS on an international scale.

Public Policy and Legal Considerations: Addressing legal and policy issues related to HIV/AIDS, advocating for supportive policies, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.

Crisis Management: Responding to emerging challenges, such as disease outbreaks or public health emergencies, and adapting strategies to address changing circumstances.

Technology and Innovation: Incorporating technology and innovation in public health approaches, such as telemedicine, mobile health apps, and digital platforms for education and outreach.

However, all this looks attractive and has huge job and career opportunities but is marked too with some stiff challenges too that one needs to tackle and create solutions according to situations. Table 3 highlights the key challenges one can face as a public health specialist

KEY CHALLENGES FACED BY A HIV-AIDS PUBLIC HEALTH SPECIALIST

Stigma and Discrimination: Stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS remain significant barriers to testing, treatment, and support services.

Inequalities and Vulnerabilities: Socioeconomic factors, gender inequalities, and lack of access to education and healthcare contribute to disparities in HIV prevalence.

Global Response: While progress has been made, challenges persist in achieving global targets and ensuring that all people, regardless of location or socio-economic status, have access to prevention, treatment, and care services.

Emerging Issues: Addressing emerging challenges, such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HIV services and the integration of HIV programs with broader health systems, remains a priority.

Therefore, Public Health specialist in the field of HIV-AIDS play a crucial role in improving health outcomes, reducing transmission rates and enhancing the overall well-being of individuals and communities affected by HIV/AIDS.Besides this this program will also help to bridge the gap in trained man power for ART centre.

Programme Objectives of PGD in PUBLIC HEALTH (HIV-AIDS)

• Acquire thorough understanding of the fundamentals of HIV and its intricate management in a tertiary care setting;
• Effectively handle any complications or opportunistic infections that may arise as a result of HIV/AIDS; and
• Identify and manage emergencies involving HIV/AIDS and its complications, making bedside decisions for treatment as needed.