23 per cent HIV infected still remains outside treatment access

By TRN Online, Kathmandu, Nov 30: 23 per cent of HIV infected people are still out of access to treatment. 

Addressing a program organized on the occasion of World AIDS Day today, Director of the National Center for AIDS and STD control (NCASC) Dr Sarbesh Sharma, said that out of an estimated 34,337 people infected with HIV in Nepal by the end of 2024, 26,372 infected people, that is 77 per cent, are receiving antiretroviral (ARV) treatment. However, if we see the trend, the number of new infections has decreased this year. 

It is estimated that 614 people have been newly infected with HIV, which is an 89 percent decrease compared to 2000.

He said that 34,337 people had been infected by the end of the year 2024. 0.13 per cent of adults are currently living with HIV. 

People with HIV in the population who are 15 and above stand at 33, 279, where 14,000 are females and 19,279 are males. Meanwhile, 1,058 children have tested positive for HIV. 

In the past year, 227 children have been found infected when their mothers were tested for HIV.

He said, " Even though there has been  89 per cent decrease from the year 2000, still, 614 new HIV infections are expected in the year In 2000, 5,600 new infections were estimated 2000, which is 76 percent less as compared to the year 2010.There are still two new infections per day and one death per day due to HIV."

Director of the National Center for AIDS and STD control (NCASC) Dr Sarbesh Sharma

Decrease deaths from HIV/AIDS 

According to statistics, there has also been a decrease in deaths. 

 Dr Sharma said that in 2024 alone, 569 people were estimated to die from AIDS.

The death rate is 76 per cent lower than in 2010. In 2010, 2,400 people died of AIDS.

Infection and mortality rates have also decreased among children. By the end of 2024, 26,372 people infected across the country were receiving antiretroviral treatment. An estimated 77 percent of all HIV-infected people are on treatment.

 Target to reach by 2030

According to Director Dr Sharma, Nepal has set a target of 95-95-95 to achieve the goal of ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030.

The government's goal is to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030, with 95 percent of people knowing about their infection, 95 percent having access to drug treatment, and 95 percent reducing their viral load.

Dr Sharma pointed out the need to formulate a strategy against HIV infection within the next year.

 Dwindling budget impacts the implementation 

Director Sharma said that NCASC faces challenges in effective implementation due to insufficient budget and programs for HIV, hepatitis, and STDs. 

According to him, as budgets and programs are dwindling, it has become difficult to even reach the 95-95-95 target by 2030.

Problems in health and the lack of a multi-year procurement plan are also adding to the challenges in achieving the state's goals on HIV and AIDS. HIV testing of pregnant women and regular follow-up of infants at risk of HIV are still not up to expectations, according to him.