Himalayan News Service

Nawalparasi, June 11:

According to a study carried out by an NGO Trinetra Nepal, 16 persons in the district have died of HIV/AIDS in the last four years. The result released yesterday went on to state that there are 16 HIV/AIDS patients in the district today. Unhealthy sexual practices, use of illicit drugs, open/porous border, among others are cited as the major causes for the spread of the disease in most areas. According to the report, people operating hotels near highways are the most vulnerable group. A total of 32 HIV patients (16 men, 16 women) were contacted for the study: out of these, eight men and eight women have died of AIDS, said Thakur Sapkota. He added the statistics is based on a four-year study, and if the disease strikes at this rate, it would very soon take the form of an epidemic.