Nepal

Key Results

Stigma Index 2.0 study was completed in 2022.
1995 people at high risk of HIV infection were enrolled on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
116 500 male and female condoms were procured for distribution in government- and community-led service delivery points.
National guidelines on STI management were revised and healthcare workers improved their skills of STI service delivery through a pilot training programme.

Joint Programme Results

In Nepal, the Joint Team strengthened HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services in line with the National HIV Strategic Plan 2021-2026. A total of 1995 people who are at high risk of HIV infection were enrolled on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) following the rollout of the new National Standard Operating Procedures for Implementation of Oral HIV PrEP, thanks to the collaboration with Family Health International 360 (WHO, UNAIDS Secretariat). In addition, 116 500 male and female condoms were procured for distribution in government- and community-led service delivery points (UNFPA).

In seven prisons, over 600 female inmates improved their knowledge on HIV prevention and accessed HIV testing services through mobile testing camps through a harm reduction education programme (UNODC).

Evaluation of the national prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) programme and PMTCT services in 16 health facilities across five provinces generated evidence, including on inadequate supply chains, poor data management, and limited capacity of healthcare providers. Hence, 68 laboratory technicians in government healthcare facilities received training on early infant diagnosis to improve early detection among HIV-exposed children (UNICEF).

Access to HIV prevention, sexual and reproductive health and comprehensive sexuality education was improved through newly established and adolescent-friendly Information Corners in in 38 community schools in five districts throughout Nepal. Additional six health facilities in four priority districts were also certified to provide quality adolescent friendly sexual and reproductive health services, including the "Rupantaran" life skills training package to strengthen relationship skills among young married couples and adolescents and prevent child and adolescent abuse (UNFPA). A newly developed Chatbot and TeleOPD strengthened access to counselling and mental health services for 434 young people with linkages to physiatrists psychologists within five months (UNICEF).

Assessment of sexually transmitted infection (STI) services in Bagmati province identified significant gaps in STI management, including capacity building for health workers, lab services, drug supply, and service monitoring. In response, the national guidelines on STI management were revised based on the new WHO recommendations; and healthcare workers in seven provinces improved their skills of STI service delivery through a pilot training programme (WHO).

The Stigma Index 2.0 study was completed in 2022, and findings will inform the 2023 Global Fund grant application and other programme planning efforts to address and reduce stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV. In addition, representatives of LGBTI and networks of people living with HIV, and female sex workers improved their advocacy and leadership skills, while healthcare workers were trained on delivery of gender-sensitive services, particularly among excluded and vulnerable populations (UNAIDS Secretariat).

The Government committed to amend the national procurement act (for enactment in 2023) to facilitate implementation of a social contracting mechanism, thanks to sustained advocacy and technical support from the Joint Team. To improve access to equitable HIV services among vulnerable and key populations, Nepal also launched community-led monitoring (CLM) in 14 districts deploying 61 community members trained on monitoring tools who conducted group discussions and interviews with 400 service recipients (UNAIDS Secretariat).