Banke records 39 HIV cases in four months

Nepalgunj, Dec 1: The officially recorded number of HIV-infected individuals in the first four months of the current fiscal in Banke has reached 39. According to data from the District Health Office, Banke, 80 HIV-infected individuals were identified during the last fiscal year, followed by 39 so far in the current fiscal year.

District Health Office HIV focal person Rabindra Shah said 39 HIV cases were detected in the first four months of the current fiscal year. Among the infected, 27 are males and 12 are females. 

By age group, eight are above 39 years old and 31 are between the ages of 15 and 49. 

It is said that the infection rate has been declining lately, and this is attributed to increased public awareness campaigns. 

HIV-infected individuals are eligible to receive free medication from Bheri Hospital, Nepalgunj. While HIV tests are available at various health posts in the district, confirmatory testing is conducted at Bheri Hospital.

During fiscal year 2080–81 BS (2023–24), the district had recorded 101 HIV infection cases. (RSS)