HIV infection drops by 89 per cent in 25 years

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Dec. 2: The number of people with HIV infection has been declining, according to data provided by the government.

Data released by the government during a discussion held in Kathmandu on the occasion of World HIV Day, showed that HIV infections have declined by 89 per cent in 25 years. 

According to Dr. Sarvesh Sharma, Director at the National AIDS and STD Control Centre, the number of HIV-infected people has been decreasing in recent years.

“The number of HIV-infected people in 2024 is 614, whereas 5,600 new HIV infections were recorded in 2000. This data shows that infections are declining,” stated Dr. Sharma.

Similarly, the death rate due to HIV has also been decreasing in recent years. It has declined by 76 per cent compared to 2010 data. 

A total of 2,400 patients died due to HIV in 2010, while 569 individuals died in 2024. The infection rate among those under the age of 14 has also been dropping. 

HIV infection in children under 14 has decreased by 86 per cent compared to 2010.

At least 260 HIV-infected children were recorded in 2010, while 37 cases were recorded in 2024. 

However, it is estimated that 34,337 individuals were living with HIV by the end of 2024. Of them, 26,372 (77 per cent) received treatment, according to Dr. Sharma.

Minister of Health and Population Dr. Sudha Sharma Gautam stated that Nepal has made a significant progress in preventing HIV over the last two decades. She also urged all stakeholders to work together to eradicate HIV/AIDS.

Minister Dr. Gautam emphasised the importance of continuing these achievements and moving actively toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. 

“A joint commitment is essential to achieve the 95-95-95 goals set by the Nepal government in accordance with global HIV prevention standards,” stated Minister Dr. Gautam.

Meanwhile, the Nepal government has set a goal to eradicate HIV by 2030. She also expressed her gratitude to all stakeholders, including health workers, for their efforts in preventing, treating, and caring in the HIV response.

Minister Dr. Gautam released a video message addressing the 38th series of HIV Day on Monday, which the Nepal government has marked with the slogan “Overcoming Barriers, Transforming the AIDS Response.” She urged all stakeholders to collaborate in the HIV response, highlighting ongoing challenges such as financial constraints and discrimination.

 See Page 6Dr. Sarvesh Sharma added that there is still a risk of HIV in Nepal. Individuals, families, and communities continue to face HIV risk even today, said Dr. Sharma.

She urged all stakeholders to collaborate in the HIV response, highlighting ongoing challenges such as financial constraints and discrimination.

World HIV Day is observed on December 1 each year globally to remember those who have lost their lives to AIDS. The Nepal government has also been marking the HIV Day every year to raise awareness to prevent HIV. 

According to a UNAIDS report, around nine million people worldwide were living with HIV without treatment by the end of 2024, while 1.3 million people were infected in the same year.