HIV / AIDS in Nepal: an update

HIV/AIDS is a growing problem in Nepal. There has been a 15-fold increase in the number of HIV-infected cases during the period 1990-93. By 1993, 195 cases had been reported to the Ministry of Health. Among the total cases reported, approximately equal numbers of male and female HIV cases are represented. The current estimate of HIV-infected individuals is 5000; however, the number is projected to reach cumulatively 100,000 by the year 2000 if effective preventive measures are not taken. Commercial sex workers and their clients remain the most affected groups. The majority of HIV-infected cases belong to the 20-29 age group. HIV surveillance data indicate that the overall positivity rate increased from 0.20 to 0.70 over the 12-month period, 1991-92. Of the total 195 HIV-infected cases, 24 (12.3%) are reported to be AIDS cases. The AIDS cases doubled between 1991 and 1993. There are three times as many AIDS cases among females than males. Of the total 24 AIDS cases, 11 have died. Case studies illustrate the multi-faceted context in which HIV/AIDS is spreading in Nepal.