Nepal is facing increased HIV and AIDS prevalence amongst groups who practice high-risk behaviour, such as commercial sex workers (CSW), men who have sex with men (MSM) and injecting drug users (IDU). Many of those who are in sex work (both men and women) are victims of human trafficking or have been forced into sex work through poverty and desperation. There is also an increasing risk of HIV spreading further into the general population as many men are migrant labourers working in India where they visit sex workers then bring HIV home to their families (it is estimated that 10% of Nepali men working in India return home HIV positive).  UNAIDS estimate that 75,000 people are already HIV positive and that by 2010 there will be 1 million cases.

There is an urgent need to scale up interventions, both prevention and care. Gender inequality and low levels of education make the task more difficult. There is also an aura of stigma, denial and discrimination around HIV and AIDS. Life saving antiretroviral treatment (ART) is hard to access outside the capital city (Kathmandu) yet is a critical need in the villages of Nepal. ART can extend the lifespan of an HIV positive person for many years, helping them to live a productive life and protecting their children from becoming orphans.

In addition the lack of knowledge and unfounded fears often lead to unemployment for HIV positive people. Widows are especially vulnerable to this discrimination and if they have no means to provide for their families they may be forced to turn to sex work. We provide Micro enterprise training using a proven training programme and fund start up projects in Nepal. Annually we train 20 people who undergo a three week course that includes a two week practical where participants start their own businesses.

Those suffering from AIDS are also often abandoned and left destitute. AIDSLink personnel help them access medical treatment, lobby on their behalf and counsel family members.

This project:

-    Provides care and reassurance for HIV positive people.

-    Facilitates those with AIDS in accessing antiretroviral treatment.

-    Educates people to reduce their vulnerability and risks to STD and HIV exposure.

-    Empowers HIV positive people through education and training that lead to visibly productive and meaningful lives in society.

-    Provides micro-enterprise training and start up funding.

-    Pays the school fees of children of HIV affected families to remain in school.

US $15 would keep a child at school for one month

Photos below of a workshop to educate and empower women affected by HIV/AIDS and example of where most HIV positive people end up living