Kathmandu, Feb. 11: The prevalence rate of HIV-AIDS in Nepal has come down to 0.15 per cent in 2017 from 0.55 per cent 10 years ago.
According to the National Centre for AIDS and STD Control (NCASC), there are 31,020 AIDS-infected people in Nepal of which 19,020 are male and 12,000 are female.
"Similarly, HIV prevalence rate among the People Who Inject Drug (PWID) has also come down to 8.5 per cent from 68 per cent in 2002," Dr. Tara Nath Pokhrel, Director of the NCASC said at a press conference organised to announce the International Condom Day Celebration on February 13 – the Valentine's Day.
About 77 per cent HIV was transmitted through sexual relations without condoms.
In Nepal, about 8 per cent people use condoms regularly.
In order to increase awareness about the right use of condoms, NCASC, National Association of People Living with HIV/AIDS (NAP+N) and AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) are organising HIV testing campaigns, free love condom distribution, orientation of key populations, and youths on safer sex practices and condom use, media interaction, e-riskshaw rally, quiz contest and games on the International Condom Day.
The free HIV testing will be organised in Bobang Health Post, Burtibang of Baglung district, Baglung Buspark in Pokhara, Rajhar of Nawalpur, Chipaarmai Rural Municipality in Parsa, Butwal, Kapalvastu of Taulihawa, Rapti Pari of Banke and Chainpur of Dhading.
Similarly, orientation and interaction will be organised in Kailali, Doti, Kathmandu, Rupandehi, Banke, Parsa and Chitwan.
"Use of condom during sex among People Living with HIV is also important in HIV prevention, no matter whether both or one among them are HIV positive," said Rajesh Didiya, NAP+N President.
AHF Nepal Country Manager Deepak Dhungel urged all to talk about condoms and support family members or sex partners to prevent HIV.
Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 12 February 2019.
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