The first case of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in Nepal was identified in 2044/45 BS (1988 AD). The National Centre for AIDS & STD Control (NCASC) was established in 2050 BS which marked the formal beginning of coordinated national response to HIV/AIDS and STDs. Later, the National Policy on Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Control was introduced in 2052 BS (1995 AD) which was Nepal"s first policy addressing these issues. Nepal launched its first National HIV/AIDS Strategy on 2058/59 BS (2002 AD) focusing in prevention, treatment, care and support for affected populations. In 2060 BS (2003 AD) Antiretroviral therapy (ART) was introduced in Nepal, providing free treatment to people living with HIV. The National Policy on HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) was revised and updated on 2067/68 BS (2011 AD) to address the dynamic nature of the epidemic. Similarly, Nepal adopted the Fast Track Targets on 2072 BS (2016 AD) to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 AD, aligning with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The HIV epidemic in Nepal has evolved from low prevalence to concentrated epidemic. The prevalence of HIV infection in general population is relatively low but in specific sub populations, the prevalence is much higher. The HIV epidemic in Nepal remains largely concentrated among key populations, including People Who Inject Drugs (PWID), sex workers and their clients, Men who have sex with men (MSM) and Transgender (TG) people, Male Labor Migrants (MLM) and their spouses, and prison inmates.1

The NHSP 2021-2026 builds upon the achievements of the previous strategic plan and aligns with global commitments, including the Sustainable Development Goals and UNAIDS strategies. The plan emphasizes a people-centered approach, grounded in human rights and health equity, aiming to significantly reduce new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths while improving the quality of life for people living with HIV (PLHIV).