Govt launches strategic HIV plan

Kathmandu, December 1

Health Minister Gagan Kumar Thapa launched the National HIV Strategic Plan ‘NHSP 2016-2021: Nepal HIVision 2020’ in Kathmandu today.

The five-year plan commits to a fast-track approach that will accelerate action by focusing strategic investments in HIV programmes for and with key populations in priority geographical areas.

The NHSP will ensure everyone’s access to services for HIV prevention, treatment, care and support.

Minister Thapa was joined by the newly-appointed State Minister for Health Taraman Gurung; Achut Sitaula, representing community networks and civil society, including people living with HIV; Shanda Steimer, director at the Office of Health and Education, USAID Nepal; and Dr Ruben F del Prado, UNAIDS country director and representative to Nepal and Bhutan.

‘Nepal HIVision 2020’ provides strategic directions for the implementation of an innovative, evidence-informed and socially just HIV response that will set Nepal on a fast-track course to end the country’s AIDS epidemic by 2030, said Thapa “I am confident this plan will succeed because we have the support of every sector of the Government of Nepal as well as the crucial participation of key population communities,” he added.

Nepal has made remarkable progress in its HIV response over the past decades. It is estimated that 39 000 people were living with HIV in Nepal at the end of 2015. There were 1300 new HIV infections in 2015, compared to 7400 in 2001; down 82 per cent.

This success has been due to partnerships between the government, community groups, national and international non-governmental organisations, and external development partners.

In June, Nepal joined other UN member states at a high level meeting in New York and adopted the Political Declaration on Ending AIDS.