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Abstract
What are key gaps to access in HIV prevention in Nepal?
Regmi P.R.1, Bhattarai R.P.2
Introduction: Although young people (10-24 years) are considered as a healthiest members and potential driving force of the society, they are at the centre of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in terms of transmission, impact, vulnerability and have been great public health concern all over the world. In Nepal, adolescent and youth constitutes more than one third of the population, HIV is spreading among young people due to gaps to access knowledge, skills and services for HIV prevention.
Methods: Results were gathered using participatory approach. Focus group discussions with boys and girls conducted separately. Group works were also given to the participants to identify key gaps to access knowledge, skill and service of HIV/AIDS.
Results: The key gaps have been identified through participatory methods. Almost all participants have heard about HIV/AIDS but the level of knowledge about window period and care and support to PLWHA including HAART is low. Regarding the identified gaps in access to information on HIV, negative attitude, low participation, lack of curriculum, and lack of friendly services, convenient time have been identified. They also identified some cultural beliefs and practices which made them more vulnerable. Similarly, gaps in access to skills are lack of life skills based sex education and lack of skill development programmes. Identified gaps related to access to service were found to be inadequate service delivery points, lack of friendly services, inappropriate cost, unavailability of condoms and lack of VCT facilities.
Conclusions: The participants recommended that peer education program and youth information centre would be effective in terms of impact and cost to reduce gaps. Implementing competitions and entertaining activities would be most effective approaches for adolescent and young people. Providing constant supervisory support with good relation with PE and service centres would encourage for their active participation.
The 3rd IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis and Treatment
Abstract no.
MoPe11.1C01
Suggested Citation
"RegmiP.R., et al.
What are key gaps to access in HIV prevention in Nepal?.
Poster Exhibition:
The 3rd IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis and Treatment:
Abstract no.
MoPe11.1C01"
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