KATHMANDU: A recent data shows that only 77 percent of the estimated total People Living with HIV (PLHIV) in Nepal is on antiretroviral (ARV) treatment.

According to the latest statistics released by the National AIDS and STD Control Centre on the eve of the World AIDS Day today, 1.7 individuals are confirmed to be infected with HIV in Nepal every day.

Similarly, it is estimated that 34,337 people in Nepal will be infected with HIV by the end of 2024. The adult population has an infection prevalence rate of 0.13 percent.

According to the ‘HIV Fact Sheet 2025’ released by the Centre, 26 thousand 372 infected people in Nepal are receiving antiretroviral (ARV) treatment by the end of 2024, and an estimated 77 percent of the total HIV-infected individuals are under ARV treatment.

In 2024, it is estimated that 614 people were newly infected with HIV, while 569 people are estimated to have died due to AIDS. It is estimated that 37 children (aged 0–14 years) were newly infected that year.

Groups at high risk of HIV infection in Nepal include people who use injectable drugs, sex workers, prisoners, men who have sex with men and transgender people, and those going abroad for employment.

In Nepal, to achieve the goal of ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030, it is stated that 95:95 scale should be achieved, meaning 95 percent of people living with HIV should know their infection status, 95 percent of them should have access to treatment, and 95 percent of those on treatment should have a suppressed viral load.

The government is currently providing free antiretroviral treatment from 96 ART centres across 64 districts.
The prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV or PMTCT services are being provided, including free HIV testing for pregnant women in health institutions, in all districts of the country.

By the end of 2024, it is estimated that 40.8 million people worldwide will be infected with HIV. Every day, 3,600 people are infected with HIV throughout the world.

This year, the 38th World AIDS Day is being observed with the slogan ‘Overcome Barriers, Transform AIDS Response’. The World AIDS Day is observed on 1st December every year.