DAMAULI (TANAHUN), Jan 16: A total of 454 individuals in Tanahun district are infected with HIV/AIDS. According to the Health Office, the district ranks third in Gandaki Province in terms of HIV cases.
Health Office Chief Shankar Babu Adhikari stated that out of the 2,968 HIV-infected individuals in Gandaki Province, 700 are in Kaski, 481 in Syangja, and 454 in Tanahun.
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Among those infected in Tanahun, 262 individuals are receiving ART medication from Damauli Hospital, while 32 individuals from other districts also receive ART services from the hospital, Adhikari said.
Due to the fear of social stigma and discrimination, many infected individuals are still unable to come forward. Some even avoid seeking treatment at Damauli Hospital and opt for other places to take their medication, Adhikari said. “The fear of being recognized and identified in society results in stigma and other problems. Moreover, ignorance is a barrier to many seeking treatment,” he pointed out.
Keshav Gurung from the Tanahun Support Organization, which works for the rights and welfare of HIV-infected individuals, stated that fear of societal rejection still prevents many from coming forward. “Because of societal lack of respect, those with HIV are often forced to hide their condition,” he said. “The organization has been supporting these individuals. However, many infected individuals fear seeking treatment at a local hospital due to potential repercussions. The pressure to hide their condition is felt by some, which is not a good practice.”
