Kathmandu, December 1:

Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Amik Sherchan today said that the government is planning to expand HIV/AIDs control programmes in rural areas.

Stressing the need of reliable data for the successful implementation of the programme, he said the government is planning to expand Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) centres in most of the district hospitals and raising awareness on stigmatisation of AIDS patients, treatment and support.

On the occasion of World AIDS Day, the government and UN system in Nepal expressed commitment to stop AIDS by keeping promise in combating AIDS.

Dr Aurorita Mendoza, country coordinator, UNAIDS, said that UN system in Nepal would work towards ensuring quality of life to those living with HIV/AIDS.

Inaugurating the World AIDS Day programme here, Dr Mendoza said everybody should be accountable to stop HIV/AIDS.

The World AIDS Day programme was observed today by taking out rallies in various parts of the country. Street dramas were also organised to raise awareness about AIDS.

Dr Mendoza also announced that USAID through UNAIDS and UNODC will give continuity to harm reduction programme to check the increasing number of HIV/AIDS due to injecting drug users from next year.

Dr Rajendra Pant, acting director, National Centre for AIDS and STD Control (NCASC), said the government, by December 4, will pledge for the fund to Global Fund for sixth round for combating HIV/AIDS. “The government has done necessary homework to acquire funds for the next round. It will appeal for the funds in March 2007,” said Dr Pant.

The government’s proposal for the sixth round for universal access for HIV prevention, treatment, care and support was rejected on the grounds that two principal recipients from the same country had applied for the fund. The government has requested $29,034,173 for the five-year programme.

Around 64,000 patients are still in rural areas and to bring them out in the open is still a big challenge for the government, Dr Panta said. “The government still has Rs 45 crore, which is enough for the next year to provide ARV drugs to the needy,” said Dr Pant.

Dr Mahesh Maskey, adviser to Health Minister, said that new Nepal is facing a greater challenge of establishing VCT centres in each district hospital. As the government has very limited funds, universal access to treatment, care and support can be made possible through multi-sectoral and societal help, he said.