Chitwan: The World AIDS Day is being observed globally, including in Nepal, with the theme “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response.” The theme emphasizes the need for political leadership, international cooperation, and human-rights-centered approaches to eliminate AIDS by 2030.
According to National News Agency Nepal, various programs are being organized in Nepal under the guidance of the Ministry of Health and Population and the National Centre for AIDS and STD Control (NCASC). In Chitwan, there is a rising concern as the number of sexually transmitted diseases among HIV-AIDS infected individuals has increased. Dr. Pramod Poudel, a senior physician at Bharatpur Hospital, reported that out of 1,040 people tested in the past 10 months, 35 were found to have sexually transmitted diseases.
Additionally, seven AIDS-infected individuals were diagnosed with tuberculosis out of 93 tests conducted. Currently, Chitwan has 1,243 AIDS-infected people, with 34 receiving ART from Baghauda Hospital in Madi and 1,209 from the ART Center in Bharatpur. Poudel noted that 66 new infections were identified through tests conducted across the district in the past 10 months.
Krishnahari Sapkota, program coordinator of the AIDS Health Foundation at Bharatpur Hospital, mentioned that 65 patients undergoing ART have been transferred, while 28 have discontinued their treatment. Furthermore, 13 infected individuals have died. Sapkota highlighted that societal attitudes towards AIDS patients remain unchanged, with even ambulance drivers hesitating to transport infected individuals for treatment.