BAGLUNG: The number of people living with HIV in Baglung has reached 220, with eight new cases recorded in the current fiscal year.
According to Dev Prakash Ghimire, information officer at the Provincial Public Health Office, Baglung, six of those living with HIV are below the age of 15, while the remaining 214 are aged 15 or above.
Of the total, 114 are women and 106 are men. Ghimire said people diagnosed with HIV are receiving regular antiretroviral treatment and other preventive services at Dhawalagiri Provincial Hospital in Baglung, Burtibang Hospital and Beni Hospital. He added that efforts have been intensified to confidentially identify people living with HIV and bring them under regular treatment.
“We conduct HIV tests every year. Last year, 10 people tested positive out of around 20,000 tests, while eight new cases have been detected this year. Most of those infected are returnee migrant workers,” Ghimire said.
He said HIV is primarily transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, transfusion of contaminated blood and the sharing of contaminated needles among people who inject drugs.
Ghimire also noted that stigma and discrimination remain major challenges, making it difficult to identify infected individuals and ensure they receive timely treatment.
Comment