A step forward?

The Government of Nepal has brought in a HIV/AIDS National Policy-2011. This policy aims to secure the rights of people living with HIV and Aids, such as access to social security, in order to minimise inequality. The policy will try to provide equal opportunity in health education and other social sectors.

People living with HIV in Nepal face many challenges as most of them are from low caste and can only do very low paying jobs which can not sustain their families. Women whose husbands have passed away bear the extra burden of taking care of children.

Church leaders are mobilising their congregations to support people living with HIV and Aids to improve their living condition for instance construction of shelter for the very needy families in Sunsari District and they have already started supporting two families.

Thank you for praying for Nepal. There is now a new Prime Minister Mr.Jhala Nath Khanal. We hope that all political parties will work in unity to ensure the peace process comes to a logical end and that the new constitution will be finalized. Please pray that the Government will urgently examine pending child rights laws and expedite their endorsement.

Photo (left): Representatives from Christian organisations working on HIV from five districts of Nepal attended a two day follow-up meeting in Sunsari. It was encouraging to hear what the organisations do and their struggle to reduce stigma and discrimination.