KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 30 New data released by the National AIDS and STD Control Centre on the eve of World AIDS Day shows that only 77 percent of Nepal's estimated People Living with HIV (PLHIV) are receiving antiretroviral (ARV) treatment. According to the Centre's HIV Fact Sheet 2025, Nepal is estimated to have 34,337 HIV cases by the end of 2024, with a national adult prevalence rate of 0.13 percent. On average, 1.7 people are confirmed to be infected with HIV each day. By the end of 2024, 26,372 individuals were on ARV therapy. That same year, an estimated 614 new infections occurred, while 569 people were believed to have died due to AIDS-related complications. Among children aged 0–14, an estimated 37 new infections were recorded. High-risk groups include people who inject drugs, sex workers, prisoners, men who have sex with men and transgender individuals, and migrant workers. Nepal aims to meet the global 95–95–95 target by 2030: ensuring 95 percent of PLHIV know their status, 95 percent of them access treatment, and 95 percent of those on treatment achieve viral suppression. The government currently provides free ARV services through 96 ART centres across 64 districts. HIV testing for pregnant women and other PMTCT services are available in all districts. Globally, an estimated 40.8 million people will be living with HIV by the end of 2024, with 3,600 new infections occurring daily. This year marks the 38th World AIDS Day, observed on December 1 under the theme 'Overcome Barriers, Transform AIDS Response.' (With inputs from RSS)