HIV-positive women in Nepal call for greater assistance from government

Oct 5 2008

Nepal's HIV/AIDS policies and programs have failed to address the problems of women living with HIV/AIDS in the country, HIV-positive women with Shakti Milan Samaj -- a social organization working on behalf of women living with HIV/AIDS -- said during a press conference on Wednesday, the Rising Nepal reports.

The women also called on the government to guarantee access to no-cost treatment, care, resettlement, social security and jobs, as well as a special program to help them maintain a living. They added the government "should make arrangements for free education to our children and announce legal action against all violence against us regarding it as a crime against the state."

At the press conference, the women said that although the country has received significant funding for efforts to fight HIV/AIDS, the government still does not address the issues they face. According to the Rising Nepal, women in the country are vulnerable to HIV in part because of cultural and economic factors, as well as domestic violence. Shakti Milan Samaj Chair Goma Rai said that about 55 HIV-positive women receive skill development training through the organization, and 65 children have been provided with education support (Rising Nepal, 10/1).