Kathmandu, December 1:

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), together with UNAIDS Secretariat, WFP, UNWFPA, OCHA, UNESCO, UNDP, and NGOs including AMDA and GWP, LWF and the Government of Nepal have concluded a 12-day HIV/AIDS Assessment Mission of conflict-affected populations including displaced persons in Nepal. According to a UNHCR statement, the mission sought to identify measures to prevent and respond to AIDS among conflict-affected people.

“Although no direct link between increased HIV infection and conflict has been found, possible associations were identified between conflict and increased HIV vulnerability and risk,” said Dr Paul Spiegel, Head of the HIV Unit, UNHCR Headquarters, Geneva.

“Thus, there is a need for improved coordination among government, NGOs and UN agencies working in HIV and AIDS activities,” added Dr Spiegel.