1,500 HIV Cases Found in Health Screening of 200,000 in Nepal

 

In a recent health screening of approximately 200,000 people in Nepal, 1,500 individuals were found to be infected with HIV/AIDS. According to the economic survey for the fiscal year 2080/81, presented in both houses of the federal parliament on Sunday, out of the 197,167 people tested, 1,536 were found to be HIV positive. This data is up to the month of Falgun of the current fiscal year.

During this period, 35,043 HIV-infected individuals received medication from Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) centers. The National Center for AIDS and STD Control, established in 1992, has been working to prevent HIV and sexually transmitted diseases in Nepal.

A 2021 report indicates that there are 30,000 individuals living with HIV in Nepal, with an average of two new infections occurring each day. Following the National HIV Strategic Plan 2021–2026, the government is conducting HIV prevention programs targeting high-risk groups such as people who inject drugs, sex workers and their clients, men who have sex with men, transgender individuals, migrant workers and their spouses, and prisoners. These programs include prevention initiatives and treatment, care, and support services for those infected and affected by HIV.