India’s response to HIV epidemic is influenced by the available surveillance data, implementation capacities and political commitment at state and national level. Apart from the sentinel surveillance, nationwide Computerised Management Information System (CMIS) provides strategic information on programme monitoring and evaluation.

Monitoring

 However, in the planning of NACP-III it was felt that data from sentinel surveillance and CMIS are not sensitive enough to detect the emerging hot spots of the epidemic. To overcome this, NACO, in its third HIV/AIDS programme introduced Strategic Information Management System (SIMS) at national and state levels to focus on strategic planning, monitoring, evaluation, surveillance and research. It is aimed to provide effective tracking and response to HIV epidemic. The system assigns clear responsibilities to all programme officers and facilitates data flow and feedback at various levels.

Evaluation  

 Although a number of new initiatives were taken in the previous programme, their evaluation was not given adequate attention. This hindered the assessment of their efficacy. In NACP-III tools are proposed to be developed in consultation with the technical partners for the evaluation of each of the proposed intervention.

Research

 Beginning NACP-III, NACO has positioned itself as the promoter and coordinator of research on HIV/AIDS not only in India, but the entire South Asia region through partnership and networking with national academic and other institutions in the region. This initiative will enhance NACO’s knowledge and evidence base of the various aspects of the epidemic.