Publications

Over the last years the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Nepal has gained ground, and Nepal has progressed from a "low prevalence" country to one with a so-called "concentrated" epidemic in certain sub-groups of the population. For Nepal the window of opportunity is closing fast to effectively address the epidemic. Without mounting a vigorous, broad-based response now, AIDS may become the leading cause of death in the age group 15-49 years over the next ten years. The aim of the "The HIV/AIDS/STD Situation and the National Response in Nepal" booklet is to give an overview of the situation and the response to HIV/AIDS in Nepal, and to touch on priorities and challenges. This publication is jointly published by the National Centre for AIDS and STD Control (NCASC), and the United Nations Theme Group on HIV/AIDS in Nepal.

The ultimate goal of second generation surveillance is to prove information of relevance to policymakers for public health section. HIV surveillance systems help countries find track HIV infection, both in term of geographic location and key populations affected. The 2002 round of HIV Sentinel Surveillance (HSS) is the eighth in a series of annual surveys that have taken place in Cambodia beginning in 1994 (no data were collected for the year 2001.

Injecting drug users function as a “bridging population” for HIV transmission between a core HIV risk group and general population. The main objective of this study is to estimate the prevalent rates of HIV among IDUs and assess their role in the transmission of HIV. The study was conducted in four municipalities of Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur districts. Three-hundred and three male IDUs were sampled from 20 different randomly selected sites, through respondent-driven sampling (RDS). In Kathmandu, fifty-seven females were sampled randomly instead of using the RDS method.

HIV prevalence is monitored annually among specific groups at sentinel sites spread across Bangladesh. Behaviours that carry a risk of HIV infection are evaluated in tandem. Syphilis and hepatitis are also monitored as surrogate markers to corroborate behavioural data regarding unprotected sex and unsafe injections. This report presents the findings and conclusions from the fourth round of national HIV serological and behavioural surveillance that was conducted in 2002. The information obtained can serve as a tool to inform programme policy and interventions, to advocate for increased resources and investment in prevention, aid in targeting interventions, and in measuring their progress and impact.

Behavioural Surveillance Survey (BSS) in the general population and high-risk groups is to be undertaken three times during the period 2001-2005. The present report details the observations of the national baseline BSS survey among high-risk groups, Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) and Injecting Drug Users (IDUs), which was conducted in 5 cities/States across the country. This baseline provides basic information needed to strategize and prioritize programs under NACPII during its five years of implementation.

At the International Conference on Population and Development held in Cairo in September 1994 and its subsequent review in 1999 (ICPD+5), 179 countries agreed that population and development are inextricably linked, and that empowering women and meeting people’s needs for education and health, including reproductive health, are necessary for both individual advancement and balanced development. Advancing gender equality, promoting male responsibility, eliminating violence against women and ensuring women’s ability to control their own fertility were acknowledged as cornerstones of population and development policies.

The International Labour Organisation has developed a Code of Practice on HIV/AIDS and the world of work following widespread consultations with governments, employers and workers. This provides practical guidance for developing national and workplace policies and programmes to combat the spread of HIV and mitigate its impact.

In Hong Kong, the first cases of HIV infection and AIDS were diagnosed in 1984 and 1985 respectively. This paper outlines the epidemiological situation as revealed by the results of the surveillance programmes maintained by AIDS Unit, Department of Health. The HIV/AIDS surveillance system comprises the following programmes: (a) HIV/AIDS reporting, (b) seroprevalence studies, (c) STD surveillance and (d) behavioural surveillance and other research activities. Surveillance activities are undertaken through the Research Office of the AIDS Unit.

Since 1997 Cambodia has increased its role as a major drug transmitting and trafficking country with recent reports of clandestine amphetamine laboratories being established on the Thai border. More drugs are being used by wider groups of people with an increase in the use of amphetamines and inhalants. We still have no estimates of the numbers of drug users in Cambodia and it is not considered a problem of great significance. However a public education campaign about the dangers and consequences of drug use was launched by the government in 2000. A few NGOs have begun to give attention to drug use as part of their work with street children, commercial sex workers, fishermen, prisoners and migrant workers.

This report summarizes the results of a study carried out with the indigenous population of Papua, Indonesia’s easternmost province. The study arose out of a concern with high rates of HIV infection in the province. While research has shown Papuans have a low level of awareness about HIV/AIDS, there have been no studies which situate knowledge of HIV risk and prevention in a broader context of cultural practice and experience. In 2002, the number of HIV/AIDS cases in the Papua reached 1,000; thus awareness and presentation of HIV transmission is of critical importance. About 90% of HIV cases were contracted by heterosexual encounters, with a further 5% by homosexual encounters. This report does not address HIV transmission via intravenous drug use or blood transfusion, or vertical transmission from mother to child.