HIV/AIDS in Nepal

HIV/AIDS in Nepal

Chart showing the estimated number of HIV infections among key population groups aged 15-49 years from 1980 to 2014.

HIV/AIDS in Nepal refers to the spread and impact of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) within the country of Nepal. The epidemic in Nepal is characterized by a concentrated epidemic among certain key populations.

Epidemiology

The HIV epidemic in Nepal is primarily concentrated among key populations, including injecting drug users, men who have sex with men, female sex workers, and migrant workers. The prevalence of HIV in the general population remains low, but these key populations have significantly higher rates of infection.

Key Affected Populations

Table showing estimated HIV infections in key affected populations in Nepal in 2011.

The key affected populations in Nepal include:

• Injecting Drug Users (IDUs): This group has one of the highest prevalence rates of HIV due to the sharing of contaminated needles.
• Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM): The MSM community in Nepal faces stigma and discrimination, which can hinder access to prevention and treatment services.
• Female Sex Workers (FSWs): Female sex workers are at increased risk due to multiple sexual partners and limited access to health services.
• Migrant Workers: Many Nepali men work abroad, particularly in India, and may engage in high-risk behaviors that increase their risk of HIV infection.

Prevention and Control

Nepal has implemented various strategies to prevent and control the spread of HIV. These include:

• Awareness Campaigns: Public health campaigns aimed at increasing awareness about HIV transmission and prevention.
• Condom Distribution: Promotion and distribution of condoms to reduce the risk of sexual transmission.
• Needle Exchange Programs: Initiatives to provide clean needles to injecting drug users to prevent the spread of HIV.
• Antiretroviral Therapy (ART): Provision of ART to people living with HIV to improve their health and reduce the risk of transmission.

Challenges

Nepal faces several challenges in addressing the HIV epidemic, including:

• Stigma and Discrimination: Social stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV and key affected populations can hinder access to services.
• Geographical Barriers: Nepal's mountainous terrain can make it difficult to reach remote populations with health services.
• Limited Resources: Financial and human resources for HIV prevention and treatment are limited.

Related Pages

• HIV/AIDS in Asia
• Public health in Nepal
• Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria