The National Centre for AIDS and STD Control (NCASC) reported a remarkable 91% reduction in new HIV infections in Nepal in 2023 compared to 2000. On the occasion of World AIDS Day, NCASC Director Dr. Sarbesh Sharma shared that only 457 new cases were recorded in 2023, a sharp decline from 5,100 cases in 2000.
Dr. Sharma attributed this significant progress to the government’s efforts in HIV prevention and treatment programs. He emphasized that enrolling infected individuals in treatment has been pivotal in curbing virus transmission. “By bringing infected individuals into the treatment process, we have effectively reduced new infections. People undergoing treatment no longer transmit the virus once their viral load decreases,” he said.
Current Statistics and Progress
As of 2023, approximately 30,300 people were living with HIV in Nepal. Globally, 88.4 million people live with HIV, and 42.3 million have died from AIDS-related causes. In 2023 alone, 1.3 million people contracted HIV worldwide.
The number of HIV-related deaths in Nepal has also dropped significantly. In 2023, 231 people died from HIV-related causes, compared to 1,700 deaths in 2010. Nepal first reported HIV/AIDS cases in 1998.
Dr. Sharma noted that 87% of infected individuals in Nepal are currently receiving free antiretroviral therapy (ART) provided by the government. However, around 5,000 people remain outside the treatment process. Efforts are underway to identify and enroll them in care to achieve Nepal’s National HIV Strategic Plan (2021–2026) goals.
Challenges and High-Risk Groups
Despite progress, stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV persist. High-risk groups include people who inject drugs, sex workers, men who have sex with men, transgender individuals, and migrant workers. Among these groups, the prevalence of HIV remains higher, particularly among people who inject drugs and male sex workers.
A 2020 national survey found that 3% of people who inject drugs were HIV-positive. A 2017/18 survey reported that 2.2% of female sex workers and 6.2% of male sex workers were living with HIV. Additionally, a 2024 survey revealed that 0.2% of Nepali migrant workers in India were infected with HIV.
National Strategy and Goals
Under the National HIV Strategic Plan, Nepal aims to eliminate HIV and AIDS by 2030. The plan focuses on identifying 95% of HIV infections, providing treatment to 95% of those diagnosed, and reducing the viral load in 95% of treated individuals.
Dr. Sharma reported that Nepal has identified 94% of HIV infections, provided treatment to 87% of those identified, and reduced the viral load in 74% of treated individuals. Free ART is available at 84 centers across 61 districts, and community-based programs are being implemented nationwide to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
World AIDS Day Observance
Nepal joins the global community in marking the 37th World AIDS Day today, December 1, under the theme “Collective Action: Sustain and Accelerate HIV Progress.”
The government’s continued commitment to addressing HIV challenges and implementing prevention, treatment, and care programs remains vital to achieving the ambitious goal of eliminating HIV and AIDS by 2030.
