Nepal launched the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) program, also known as eVT, in February 2005. In 2009, a Community-Based PMTCT (CB-PMTCT) program was introduced, and it now operates across all 77 districts. These programs provide HIV screening and counselling to women during antenatal care (ANC) visits at health facilities.

The National Guidelines on PMTCT have been integrated into the National HIV Testing and Treatment Guidelines 2022, ensuring that maternal and child healthcare incorporates HIV testing. Counselling and infant feeding information have been tailored to address the needs of HIV-infected and HIV-exposed infants. Alongside the CB-PMTCT program, Nepal is scaling up PMTCT services to align with ART, HTC, and STI services, ensuring a continuum of care for pregnant women living with HIV. Linkages have been established between PMTCT ser vices and inter ventions for key populations, family planning, sexual and reproductive health, and counselling services.

In line with its goal to eliminate vertical transmission of HIV by 2026, Nepal adheres to a “test and treat” strategy. This approach includes rapid initiation of ART for all pregnant and breastfeeding women with HIV, regardless of CD4 count, and prophylactic treatment for their infants. In recent years, Nepal has expanded PMTCT services, resulting in increased HIV testing and detection among pregnant women and improved access to comprehensive care.