215 People, Including 19 Children, Living With HIV in Baglung

A total of 19 children have been found living with HIV in Baglung. Out of 215 people in the district who have been identified and are taking regular medication, 19 are children.

A woman from Baglung Municipality, who has been taking HIV medicine for about 15 years, said that society’s attitude toward HIV patients has still not changed. She shared that even though she wants to live openly, society treats her family differently, which makes people like her afraid to reveal their status.

She said, “I am the one with HIV, not my family. My daughter studies in higher education, and my family is just like others. But when people know I have HIV, they look down on my whole family. Even schools treat us differently, and we face many insults. Because of this, it is hard to live freely like others.” She added that her family worries people will label them as “the HIV-positive family” if she speaks openly.

Children with HIV have also complained to their families about facing discrimination in school. Although the number of HIV cases in Baglung is increasing, very few infected people choose to come forward publicly.

Recently, more people have started getting tested and taking medicines after infection, but they still hesitate to reveal their identity. Health workers say that even though HIV patients now come into contact with hospitals and NGOs for treatment, they prefer to keep their condition private.

The ART (Anti-Retroviral Treatment) Center at Dhawalagiri Hospital was established in 2006 to provide HIV testing, counseling, regular medicine, and treatment. Because of the center’s confidential services, more HIV-positive individuals have started coming forward for help.

According to the Health Office, 215 people, including 19 children, are currently taking regular HIV medication in Baglung. Health Office Chief Prabin Sharma said that last fiscal year, 10 new cases were recorded, while 7 new cases have been added this year. Many infected individuals say they cannot be open because of social discrimination. The office provides medicines and counseling confidentially.

Public Health Inspector Dev Prakash Ghimire said the number of identified cases has increased after expanding testing and counseling programs.

Pradeep Acharya, chief counselor of the ART Center at Dhawalagiri Provincial Hospital, said that the center has been collecting samples from HIV-affected villages and providing secret treatment and counseling. This has helped more people come forward for services.

The ART Center, with support from NGOs working on HIV/AIDS, provides proper counseling, regular medicine, travel expenses, nutrition support, and other services to HIV-positive individuals.