Welcome

The business challenge to respond to HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is emerging as one of the main development challenges for Nepal. The existing data indicate that without an effective response now, AIDS may become the leading cause of death in the productive age group 15-49 years over the next ten years.

According to the latest estimates provided by WHO/UNAIDS, Nepal by the end of 2002 had approximately 60.000 HIV positive people.

The window of opportunity to prevent the epidemic spreading into the general population is closing fast, and it is therefore very important that many different partners join the fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Nepal.

The business response to HIV/AIDS has gradually emerged since March 2002. It is evident that political commitment to fight the HIV/AIDS epidemic exists, both among employers- and trade unions.

However, concrete steps still need to be taken in the coming months and years to ensure that the political commitment is translated into effective action in terms of HIV/AIDS programs in the workplace.