Dec 08, Kathmandu - In the last three years, 75 HIV-infected people have died in Jhapa. The death rate of HIV-infected people in the district has been increasing for the last three years, informed Birendra Das, focal person at the Health Office, Jhapa. He said that 17 people died in the fiscal year 2079/80, 23 in 2080/81 and 35 in the fiscal year 2081/82.

"The rate of non-adherence among patients undergoing treatment has dropped to zero," he said, "However, the mortality rate has increased." From Shrawan to mid-Kartik of the current fiscal year, 22 new HIV infections have been found. Of the new HIV infections, four are receiving regular ART from Damak Hospital and 18 from Mechi Provincial Hospital.

So far, 806 HIV infections, both new and old, are receiving regular ART services in Jhapa. Of the total HIV infections in the district, 30 are children under the age of 18, said Focal Person Das.

The Health Office Jhapa and Lavakush Ashram are providing assistance at the rate of Rs. 1,000 per month to infected children under the age of 18. A new awareness group is being set up in Bhadrapur, and all 30 children are receiving ART services.

According to the office, in Jhapa, 70 new people and 663 old people are undergoing treatment for HIV infection in the fiscal year 2079/80, 74 new people and 750 old people in the fiscal year 2080/81, and 56 new people and 784 old people in the fiscal year 2081/82.