AIDS threatening young people, says Bhandari

Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, April 28

Considering the alarming impact of HIV/AIDS on young people and the nation as a whole, it has been pointed out by health experts that the disease is more of a threat to the population than terrorism itself is.

“Although terrorism is more rampant in the country in this period of time, HIV/AIDs, is a killer disease which is deadlier in the long run than immediate terrorist activities.” said minister for health and education, Sharat Singh Bhandari, at a national workshop on the role and responsibility of youth in peace keeping and HIV/AIDS prevention.

“It is high time that the youth thought about whether Maoist attacks or measures, being implemented by the government to tackle terrorism is correct,” said general Krishna Narayan Singh, former Command of UN Peace Keeping. He also pointed out that “The state of our country is such that ‘peace keeping’ might be necessary.”

Bibha Shah, youth ambassador of ‘Speak your mind’ campaign, pledged to focus on Nepal’s declining security problems and the provision of free and basic education to girls, when she visits New York to meet Secretary General of United Nations (UN), Kofi Annan.

The active population of the country is in danger of being swallowed by the jaws of HIV/AIDS, said health experts. However, according to recent figures, 14 adults between the ages of 15 and 49 are becoming infected by the disease every day. If the situation gets out of hand, the leading cause of death will be HIV/AIDs in ten years time, said Catherine Thompson, HIV/AIDS technical advisor of USAID Nepal.

The programme was held coinciding with the third annual global service day, organised by Nepal Volunteer Association Youth Industries.