HIV/AIDS in Nepal

HIV/AIDS is not just an African problem.  

An HIV/AIDS epidemic in Nepal has been identified by the HIV/AIDS unit, the Ministry of Health and Population, the Government of Nepal, UNAIDS, UNDP, Voluntary Service Overseas and local NGOs. 

In 2006 UNAIDS estimated that 70,256 Nepalis live with HIV/AIDS. Nepal's past conflict and inherent socio-economic ills make it vulnerable to the epidemic and difficult to gather accurate statisitics, which means the problem is probably much worse.

Unless effective prevention campaigns are implemented, Nepal may be overwhelmed with an explosion in new HIV cases as infection rates in India soar, a scenario confirmed by independent observers such as UNAIDS. 

Resolve International received funding from the BIG Lottery International Small Grants programme to explore partnership working in Nepal. The funding allowed us to meet and gain advice from a number of key organisations which are addressing the HIV/AIDS problem.  Our consultations in Nepal lead us to believe that the main requirement is to prevent the need for people expose themselves to the risk of HIV infection whilst trying to earn a living through:

• Working abroad
• Crime
• Drugs
• The sex trade