A Comparison of Trends in HIV/AIDS Prevalence Rates and Preventive Strategies in Nepal and India

According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), there are approximately 2.5 million people living with AIDS in India and the prevalence rate is.36 %. In Nepal, there are approximately 70,000 persons living with AIDS. UNAIDS estimates that in Nepal, the rate of new infections is as high as 14 per day, and might bring the prevalence of HIV up to almost 2% by the year 2010. The purpose of the study was to capture a snapshot perspective of the trends of HIV/AIDS prevalence, preventive strategies, treatment research and modes of transmission in both countries. The most current literature available on the subject was reviewed including research reports from national and international health and financial agencies. Although India and Nepal are vastly different in terms of population and geographic area, there are similarities and differences in the following areas: 1) the increasing incidence rates of HIV infection, 2) the proportion of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Foreign Aid devoted to health education efforts, 3) the nature of HIV prevention programs in India and Nepal and 4) the primary modes of transmission. The study pointed to the progress made to date by India and Nepal in dealing with their HIV/AIDS crisis. The study also recommended 1) centralized nationwide grass-root preventive education, focusing on emerging high-risk groups, 2) a distribution of resources on a need basis made evident by improved surveillance, 3) mutual cooperation to stem the spread of HIV/AIDS in the region.