Lamjung, November 5:

The number of HIV/AIDS-infected people is on the rise in Lamjung district, the Lamjung community hospital said.

According to the hospital, the number of infected in the district has risen to 80. Keeping the rising number of patients in view, a free consultation and examination centre was established here in August. However, just eight persons have approached the centre for HIV/AIDS test so far, said Mikhail Seikh of the centre. Of them, five were found to be HIV-positive and referred to Kathmandu after counselling, he said.

According to the centre, a 40-year-old woman from Bhotewadar VDC died of HIV/AIDS in course of the three months.

The hospital said HIV/AIDS is fast spreading in the district after the launch of the Mid-Marsyangdi Hydel Project in 2001. Those returning home after working in India are also found to be infected with HIV/AIDS, the hospital said. The National AIDS and Sexual Disease Control Centre, Lamjung District Public Health Office and the Lamjung Community Hospital HIV had jointly launched the HIV test and counselling services in the district on August 1.