Nearly 40,000 people are estimated to be living with HIV in Nepal. The Nepal HIV Strategic Plan 2016-2021 reveals the figures obtained after research at the end of 2015. The report also states that only 30% of people living with HIV are currently receiving treatment. In Nepal, the first HIV case was detected back in 1988 and some of the key population that remains a focus for HIV work in the country are female sex workers, transgender sex workers, male sex workers, clients of sex workers, transgender people, gay men and other men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, mobile, migrant and displaced populations.
With very little support from the government on HIV and AIDS program, it is the work of international development partners that have been able to improve access to anti-retroviral treatment (ART) for people living with HIV.
THINGS TO DO
Get Tested. Know Your Status (Positive/Negative)
If your test comes out POSITIVE – then start treatment immediately to protect yourself and to protect your loved ones. Remember, being on treatment can ensure a long healthy life.
ENJOY SAFE SEX – CONDOMS ON
December 1st happens to be World Aids Day and on Saturday 1st, I will be running a 10KM RED RUN in London to raise money for the charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) who work on educating people about HIV and supporting people living with HIV as well as informing people about sexual health. I have raised over £200 of which £170 was a personal donation. I will continue to support THT in 2019. Another news from the UK that will be of inspiration to many is this video of Labour Member of Parliament Lloyd Russell-Moyle sharing his HIV positive status yesterday.
A month ago when I saw Bohemian Rhapsody, I knew very little about Freddie Mercury. I was amazed to learn that he happened to be gay and was even more surprised to learn about his HIV positive status. There is so much stigma around HIV and I hope the lessons from history and the figures that continue to spread education around HIV will be able to change the way we view HIV.
[READ ABOUT BABY LIFE HOME NEPAL – WHICH SUPPORTS HIV POSITIVE YOUNG PEOPLE]
To learn more about HIV in Nepal I would recommend few of the readings below:
- Nepal HIVision 2020: Fast-Track ending the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat, by 2030
- The People Living With HIV Stigma Index Nepal 2011
If you would like to learn and know more, get tested or seek support please reach out to DRISTI NEPAL by calling 014374943.
If you need support and would like to do this ONLINE then please visit Mero Sathi website!
