The HIV/AIDS epidemic in Nepal is spreading rapidly. Until the late 1990s, the country was considered a low-prevalance state. However, since 1997 HIV infection has been increasing alarmingly among injecting drug users and sex workers in many cities, with prevalence in Kathmandu exceeding 60and 15 per cent respectively. In order to address the potential risk to the general population and mitigate its impact on the population with high-risk behaviour, national response, both in terms of HIV prevention and care, must be expanded fast, with full participation of all partners and stakeholders in the country.
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