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Abstract
An urgent need to provide an access of care and support services for people living with HIV and AIDS in Nepal
M.M. Ghimire
Background: A study was carried out among 20 People Living With HIV and AIDS (PLHIVs) in a positive people´s organization at Katmandu Valley, the capital city of Nepal, to find out available care and support services and to identify the HIV/AIDS situation and related stigma and discrimination in Nepal.
Methods: The information was obtained through questionnaires and direct interview with PLHIVs.
Results: Out of the questionnaires and direct interview, 70% of HIV+ infected were enforced to become prostitute due to lack of education, poverty and economic opportunities. 25% were infected through injecting drug use. In addition, remaining 5% were infected by unprotected sexual intercourse. The study indicated that, the respondents with were from aged 17 to 35. Majority of PLHIVs are not getting medical treatments due to lack of supportive environment and fund. Most of the PLHIVs were stigmatized and discriminated by the family members and doctors. Some of them are suffering from various opportunistic infections and not getting proper (socio-psycho support) from the society as well as the organizations working in the field of HIV/AIDS. There are very few organizations that are providing care and support services and their services are not enough to cope the problem.
Conclusions: There should be an urgent need of support for improvement of health services and creation of treatment centers for the PLHIVs. An advocacy campaign against prevailing stigma and discrimination is essential to live dignified life for infected with HIV/AIDS. There should be Political commitments, policy endorsement, support system, care and support and treatment service for PLHIVs to ensure their life as normal people in the communities.
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
CDD1097
Suggested Citation
" M.M. Ghimire
An urgent need to provide an access of care and support services for people living with HIV and AIDS in Nepal.
:
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
CDD1097"
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