Banke: The officially recorded number of HIV-infected individuals in the first four months of the current fiscal in Banke has reached 39.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the District Health Office, Banke, identified 80 HIV-infected individuals during the last fiscal year, followed by 39 so far in the current fiscal year.
District Health Office’s HIV focal person Rabindra Shah reported that 39 HIV cases were detected in the first four months of the current fiscal year. Among the newly identified cases, 27 are males, and 12 are females. By age group, eight individuals are above 39 years old, while 31 fall between the ages of 15 and 49.
The infection rate is reportedly declining due to increased public awareness campaigns. HIV-infected individuals are entitled to free medication from Bheri Hospital, Nepalgunj. While initial HIV tests are available at various health posts throughout the district, confirmatory testing is conducted at Bheri Hospital.
During the fiscal year 2080-81 BS (2023-24), the district had recorded 101 HIV infection cases.