Keshav Adhikari

Gajuri (Dhadhing), March 10:

More and more people living between Nagdhunga in the Tribhuvan Highway and Mauwakhola in the Prithvi Highway have been using condoms these days, states a research report prepared by the General Welfare Foundation (GWF), an NGO which compiles data on HIV/AIDS and other sexual diseases. According to the chief of the GWF, Dhading, Sambhjang Karki, the number of condom users has increased because street dramas, group discussions, interactions and picnics have been successful in generating awareness among the locals on sexual diseases. Shops which used to sell 800 condoms in a month have been selling 4,000 condoms a month these days. Thanks to awareness programmes, even those who hesitated to buy condoms buy them openly now, he said.

“Can you believe even unmarried girls come to buy condoms at my shop?” said a local shopkeeper. While the GWF has mobilised 19 teachers and social activists to make the condom distribution effective, the District Health Office, Dhadhing, has been distributing condoms for free. People from different walks of life come to buy condoms at the HIV/AIDS and Sexual Diseases Counselling and Condoms Distribution Centres in Charaudi, Gajuri, Jungekhola, Jhyaplekhola and Nagdhunga, said a staffer. At least 17 persons have died of HIV/AIDS in seven years in the district, said a condom distributor. According to the centre, awareness programmes have been effective in bringing the spread of HIV/AIDS under control.