Condition of HIV/AIDS among migrant people and their spouses; A case study of Raspurkot VDC of Pyuthan District, Nepal

Abstract

Migration to Indian and other countries from rural areas of Nepal is common phenomenon. Poverty, Lack of education and employment, growing population is pushing factors for migration. Separation from family or sex partner and other risk behavior put them in high risk of HIV transmission. HIV/AIDS is a major disease which directly affects the economic and social status of a family and in other sector of community. More than 65,000 people are living with HIV in Nepal and it being a growing challenge for economic empowerment of rural community. To find out the socio-economic status of migrant people living with HIV/AIDS and to determine the knowledge and attitude of the general people towards PLWHAs and to explore the vulnerability of HIV/AIDS was the objective of this report. Interview with PLHAs and key formants of the VDS, focal group discussion with mother’s group, user’s group and local leaders and case study were the main methodology of the report. The views and thinking towards PLWHA and their families of the society and their economic status will be significantly changed via socioeconomic package, compared to current situation. The package is thus clearly more efficient in achieving its goal than by other means. Collaborating and coordinating with governmental and other existing skill, healthcare and economic agencies, the system will be more powerful and effective. The HIV/AIDS epidemic has brought about challenges that are too diverse and complex to be tackled by government or by NGOs alone. It raises socio-economic, legal, ethical and human rights issues that all need to be addressed if the fight against the epidemic is to be successful. That is what it is most important to develop and must hold strong political commitment, clear national policy and strategy for the prevention of HIV/AIDS. The awareness raising program should be conducted in collaboration and coordination with existing governmental, nongovernmental, skill development, healthcare and economic agencies is more practical and sustainable.