KATHMANDU, MAY 16 The number of HIV/AIDS patients is increasing in Madhesh Province, with infections also reported among children and pregnant women, according to health authorities. Data from the Madhesh Province Health Directorate shows that Parsa district has the highest number of HIV/AIDS patients, with 1,504 cases recorded. A total of 4,680 people living with HIV are currently receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) across the province in fiscal year 2081/82. District-wise, Dhanusha has 886 cases, Sarlahi 558, Siraha 457, Rautahat 422, Mahottari 371, Bara 288, and Saptari 194. According to HIV/AIDS focal person Rajbir Yadav, HIV testing in the province has increased significantly in recent years-from 14,000 tests in 2076/77 to 76,792 in 2081/82. New HIV infections recorded were 400 in 2075/76, 475 in 2077/78, 675 in 2078/79, 606 in 2079/80, 510 in 2080/81, and 479 in 2081/82. Health officials said 16 pregnant women have been diagnosed with HIV in the current fiscal year, raising concerns over mother-to-child transmission if timely treatment is not ensured. Similarly, 175 children below 18 years are living with HIV in the province. Among them, 47 are single-parent orphans and 20 are fully orphaned. Each infected child is receiving a monthly allowance of Rs 1,000 for education, health, and nutrition support. Secretary at the Ministry of Health and Population of Madhesh Province, Dr. Pramod Kumar Yadav, said factors such as the open border, foreign employment, drug use, and unsafe sexual practices are making HIV control challenging. Currently, 10 government-run and one non-government ART centres are operating in the province. HIV testing, counselling, viral load testing, and early infant diagnosis services are available in all eight districts. Despite ongoing efforts by government and non-government agencies, officials say the expected progress in controlling the infection has not been achieved, said Sarlahi-based public health officer Nawal Kishor Jha. (With inputs from RSS)