Health Minister Gautam calls for ending AIDS

KATHMANDU: Nepal is observing the 38th World AIDS Day today under the theme “Overcome Barriers, Transform HIV Response.”

Celebrated every year on Dec 1, the day aims to raise awareness and strengthen collective efforts to combat HIV/AIDS.

In a video message, Health and Population Minister Dr. Sudha Gautam urged everyone to unite in efforts to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030.

She  said Nepal’s commitment to achieving the global 95–95–95 targets: 95% of people living with HIV aware of their status, 95% of those diagnosed receiving treatment, and 95% of those on treatment achieving viral suppression.

“Currently, Nepal has achieved 90% of the first 95 target, 88% of the second, and 76% of the third. Despite global financial challenges and persistent discrimination, HIV response remains critical. We must move forward with a transformative approach to ensure access to prevention, treatment, and care for all,” Dr. Gautam said.

She highlighted Nepal’s remarkable progress over the past two decades and stressed the need to sustain these achievements to meet the Sustainable Development Goals. Dr. Gautam also acknowledged the energy and message of the Gen Z movement, noting its important role in HIV/AIDS response.

Compared to 2010, new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths have dropped by 76% in Nepal by 2024.

According to the latest data from the National Centre for AIDS and STD Control (NCASC), approximately 1.7 people are newly infected with HIV daily in Nepal, and by the end of 2024, an estimated 34,337 people are living with HIV in the country.