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HIV in Nepal Facts and Figures
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HIV in Nepal Facts and Figures
HIV in Nepal Facts and Figures
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1
Question
What model and data sources are used to finalize annual estimates of HIV indicators among people living with HIV in Nepal?
Answer
Annual estimates use the AIDS Epidemic Model and Spectrum along with data such as key population size, Nepal Demographic Health Survey, trends in prevalence, behavioral data from surveillance surveys, and information on behaviors like condom use, sexual activity, injecting practices, and client numbers.
2
Question
Which populations bear the highest concentration of the HIV epidemic in Nepal?
Answer
The HIV epidemic in Nepal is largely concentrated among key populations: people who inject drugs, sex workers and their clients, men who have sex with men and transgender people, male labor migrants and their spouses, and prison inmates.
3
Question
What is the dominant mode of HIV transmission in Nepal?
Answer
Heterosexual transmission is dominant, accounting for 68% of the HIV cases.
4
Question
When was the first HIV case detected in Nepal?
Answer
The first HIV case in Nepal was detected in 1988.
5
Question
How many adults and children were estimated to be living with HIV in Nepal as of the latest data?
Answer
An estimated 30,300 adults and children live with HIV in Nepal, with a range of 27,000 to 33,000.
6
Question
Explain the trend of new HIV infections in Nepal from 2000 to 2023.
Answer
New HIV infections peaked around the early 2000s and declined steadily over the years, with total new infections around 1,000-1,100 in recent years (2022-2023).
7
Question
What key indicator reflects the incidence of HIV in Nepal in 2023?
Answer
HIV incidence was 0.01% per 1000 population in 2023.
8
Question
Describe the gender distribution among adults living with HIV in Nepal.
Answer
Among adults aged 15 and over living with HIV, approximately 16,000 are men and 13,000 are women.
9
Question
What is the function and significance of the HIV Testing and Counseling (HTC) service in Nepal?
Answer
HTC acts as the gateway to overall HIV care services, offered free to key populations and the general public nationwide and following national guidelines. It increases testing coverage, facilitates early diagnosis, and links individuals to further care and treatment.
10
Question
What is the community-led HIV testing approach in Nepal?
Answer
Community-led HIV testing involves key population groups conducting HIV testing in selected districts, aiming to improve testing uptake among these groups, following recommendations from national guidelines.
11
Question
Which organizations provide HIV testing and counseling services in Nepal?
Answer
Both governmental and non-governmental organizations provide HIV testing and counseling services across all 77 districts of Nepal.
12
Question
What does the HIV Testing and Yield Proportion data indicate for different provinces?
Answer
The data shows wide variability in the number tested and HIV positive yield proportion across provinces, with a total tested of 524,090 and a yield of 0.5%, indicating very low positivity rates despite high testing volume.
13
Question
What is the significance of the DHIS2 Tracker system in HIV care and ART services?
Answer
DHIS2 Tracker centralizes client information, prevents duplication, aids in client management, and supports reporting within Nepal’s national health information system.
14
Question
How do mHealth and biometric components support HIV care in Nepal?
Answer
mHealth delivers appointment reminders and awareness messages to clients, supporting retention in treatment. The biometric system scans fingerprints to identify clients, preventing duplication and linking medical records accurately.
15
Question
What is the Test and Treat approach adopted in Nepal since 2017?
Answer
Test and Treat involves initiating antiretroviral therapy immediately after an HIV diagnosis regardless of CD4 count or disease stage, facilitating early treatment and better health outcomes.
16
Question
Where and when did HIV care and ART services start in Nepal?
Answer
ART services began in February 2004 at Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital in Kathmandu.
17
Question
How extensive is the ART service coverage in Nepal as of 2024?
Answer
There are 85 operational ART sites and 45 ART Dispensing Centers across 76 districts providing free ART to people living with HIV.
18
Question
What are the advantages of Multimonth Dispensing (MMD) of ARV drugs?
Answer
MMD reduces the number of clinical visits for stable clients, decreases costs and burdens for clients and service providers, improves treatment retention, and enhances quality of care.
19
Question
What proportion of clients receiving MMD of ARV drugs receive more than two months' supply?
Answer
About 48.7% of clients receiving MMD receive more than two months' supply of ARV drugs.
20
Question
Summarize the HIV treatment cascade in Nepal from 2021-2023.
Answer
Of approximately 30,300 PLHIV, around 24,793 know their HIV status, 23,293 are on ART, 16,336 have been tested for viral load, and 18,236 have suppressed viral load, showing progress but also gaps at each step.
21
Question
Why is retention on ART important, and what are the retention trends among PLHIV in Nepal?
Answer
Retention on ART improves survival, quality of care, and viral suppression. Retention rates are generally above 80% up to 60 months, with children showing slightly higher retention rates than adults.