May 17, Kathmandu - Nepal has seen a surge in the number of individuals infected with HIV accessing Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) services, reaching 25,511 cases. According to the latest report by the Office of the Auditor General, the number of HIV patients receiving treatment through the National AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases Control Centre has increased by 5.26% compared to the previous year. In the fiscal year 2079/80, the number was 24,237.

The report highlights not only the rising number of infections but also a concerning increase in HIV-related deaths. In 2079/80, 344 people died due to HIV/AIDS, but this figure rose by 27.91% in the subsequent fiscal year 2080/81, reaching 440 fatalities.

Data from the past three years indicate a consistent upward trend in HIV infections, with higher numbers among men and women, though a slight decline has been observed among children.

To combat the long-term effects of HIV/AIDS, Nepal established the National AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases Control Centre in 2052. The centre's budget for the review year was NPR 52.4 million, of which NPR 42.3 million was spent.

Given the increasing number of HIV cases and related deaths, the Office of the Auditor General has emphasized the urgent need to enhance prevention, control, and medical services to address the epidemic effectively.