PALPA: The number of people infected with HIV/AIDS has increased to 240 in the district.

The number was only 86, as of the fiscal year 2014/15, according to the District Health Office, Palpa.

The number of new HIV infections is found to be on the rise in the district every year. Hence, efforts are being made to make public awareness programmes more effective along with the provision of medication for those already infected, said Madhav Gyawali, Information Officer at the Office,.

Senior Public Health Officer Rajendra Ghimire said that as government efforts alone would not suffice, the non-government as well as the private sector are requested to join hands in order to prevent and control HIV/AIDS.