Scrub typhus is an acute, febrile, infectious disease that is caused by Orientia (formerly Rickettsia) tsutsugamushi. It is also known as tsutsugamushi disease. It is an obligate intracellular gram-negative bacterium from the Rickettsiaceae family.
Nepal has entered a 'concentrated' epidemic with HIV prevalence consistently high among certain sub-populations such as injecting drug users (IDUs) and female sex workers (FSWs). The estimated number of total HIV infected persons (adult and children) for 2007 was 69,790, of which, 64,585 were adults (aged 15-49 years) and 1,857 were children (aged 0 to 14) (NCASC, 2008). By the end of 2007, HIV prevalence was estimated to be around 0.49 percent in the adult population (Ibid. 2008). While stigma and discrimination discourage people from seeking HIV testing, it is also creating an environment of fear and hesitancy among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) in accessing essential care services. It is the right of PLHA to access quality treatment and care, and given that health facilities in this country are already stretched, it is crucial to take care and support services into the homes and communities of PLHA.
In Nepal an HIV case was first detected in 1988. The prevalence of HIV in adults is 0.17 percent in 2016. The National Centre for AIDS and STD Control (NCASC) has taken the lead role in lowering the rate of HIV infections throughout Nepal. HIV prevalence has reduced significantly during the last decade due to effective targeted interventions among key populations and greater enrolment in treatment. The NCASC, with technical assistance of key stakeholders, has been able to follow the “test and treat approach” to reach the global target (90-90-90).
Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are among the most common causes of illnesses in the world and have far reaching health, social and economic consequences. It is estimated that after maternal causes, STI are responsible for the greatest number of healthy life years lost among women in developing countries.
With the objective of providing updated, evidence-based clinical recommendations outlining a public health approach to providing ARV drugs for HIV treatment and prevention in the context of the continuum of HIV care, Ministry of Health and Population, National Center for AIDS & STD Control revised the National ART Guidelines developed in 2012, based on the recommendations adopted to Nepal context from WHO “Consolidated Guideline on The use of ARV Drugs for Treating and Preventing HIV Infection” (June 2013).
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) or Kala-azar is a vector-borne disease caused in the Indian subcontinent by the protozoan parasite Leishmania donovani and transmitted by the sandfly, Phlebotomus argentipes. The disease is characterized by prolonged fever, splenomegaly, anemia, progressive weight loss and sometimes darkening of the skin. In the endemic areas, children and young adults are its principal victims. The disease is fatal if not treated and sometimes even when treated if it is not done timely
HIV/AIDS presents many challenges to communities, families and individuals. Some people may feel hopeless and think that knowing their status cannot help them or their communities. They may assume that more people are infected than is actually the case. Many people are only aware of those in their community who are ill with AIDS and are not aware of those who are HIV infected and living healthy and productive lives. Often AIDS education and awareness programs appear to focus on the physical suffering, diseases, and symptoms associated with the end stage of AIDS.
Counseling is not a new domain or technique, rather it is an ancient art. In our day-to-day life we have seen that people always seek help when facing difficulties. Yet in many communities old or wise persons play the role of counselor. But the scenario has changed and the counseling profession has developed significantly.
At the opening session participants are unknown to each other and can feel uncomfortable interacting and sharing personal experiences. In this situation it is good idea to introduce each other and express themselves in front of a group. This exercise gives an opportunity to the group to share their views and experiences, which makes the climate more comfortable. After this session, the trainer also needs to give a brief introduction on training design and course structure and the training conduction procedures. It helps the participants to adjust in a new situation and mentally prepare for learning.
कुष्ठरोग निवारणको स्थितीलाई दिगो राख्दै सेवालाई गुणस्तरीय एवं सर्व सुलभ तथा सवैको पहुंच योग्य बनाई यसको समस्यालाई थप न्यूनीकरण गर्नको लागि क्षेत्रीय स्तरबाट संचालन गरिने कार्यक्रम संचालन निर्देशिका निम्नानुसार रहेको छ ।