Transcript Slide 1
COUNTRY PRESENTATION (DRUGS AND HIV/AIDS)– Nepal
Dr. Krishna Kumar Rai, Director National Centre for AIDS and STD Control, Ministry of Health and Population
National structures in response to HIV/AIDS
National AIDS Council (NAC) headed by the Prime Minister National HIV/AIDS and STI Control Board (HSCB) National Centre for AIDS and STD Control (NCASC) headed by a Director (under Ministry of Health and Population) HIV/AIDS program is P1 program /integrated program District AIDS Coordination Committees (DACC) in 75 districts, DHO is the secretariat of DACC
HIV situation in Nepal, 2011
Total HIV infection reported as of 17 September, 2011-18535 (Male-11964, Female-6571)
Heterosexual transmission is predominant-- More than 80% infections are spread through sexual transmission
Injecting drug users, female sex workers and their clients, MSM, mobile and migrant popn are the key sub populations are the most at risk population - driving the epidemic
Injecting Drug Users Profile and behavioural characteristics
Estimated number – 33, 742
61.6% aged between 20-29 years
59.6 % unmarried
41.7% have completed 10 or more years of schooling
Prevalence of HIV among IDU in Kathmandu Valley is 6.3% and 4.6% in Pokhara
Narcotic Policy
Narcotic policy (because of HIV transmission related components-harm reduction) has been recognised and mainstreamed in MOHA policy and related strategy (i.e. Drug Control Strategy 2010).
Emphasis is given on reducing stigma and discrimination in all related activities— sensitization, awareness campaign.
Ongoing Country Efforts
• • • • •
National Drug Control Policy -operational New Drug Control Law - upcoming Drug Control Strategy -endorsed The Guidelines for rehab centres -operational OST Guideline is on the final stage-under translation
Ongoing Country Efforts
Implementing the National HIV/AIDS Strategy 2011 2015 Health System strengthening for treatment, care and support –under GFATM support/pool fund capacity development, training –under implementation.
Community System Strengthening- under implementation, HIV prevention, community care support programs in partnership with civil society -- funded by Global Fund Round 7, Global Fund Round 10 and through Sector Wide Approach –supported by pooled partners (World Bank, DFID, AusAID)
Contribution of the project in the National response
Coordination in setting up Harm Reduction & Methadone Maintenance program and ensuring a smooth transition to a government led mechanism supported by Global Fund and Pooled Funds
Technical partnership in involving civil society, IDU network in terms of HIV prevention of transmission,
Direct service to over 8000 IDUs through, Comprehensive Harm Reduction services and Methadone Treatment
Advocacy for conducive policy environment to drug users in the country
Overall coordinating role between the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Health and Population
Way Forward
Collaboration- strengthen regional cooperation through knowledge & experience sharing Develop Regional Harm Reduction Policy, Strategy and advocacy guidelines Provide lead TA role in research as well as in program development in terms of new dynamics among adolescents and young drug users (under 18) Explore and invite new donors in the South east Asia region with the changing economic context,----- economically rising country like China (also high prevalence of HBV)