What's New

In 2015, the first multiplex rapid diagnostic test (RDT) for detection of anti- HIV and anti-treponema pallidum (dual HIV/syphilis RDT) was listed on the WHO list of prequalified in vitro diagnostic products (IVD). This information note provides interim advice for countries using or planning to introduce dual HIV/syphilis rapid diagnostic test (RDT) in antenatal services and other testing sites pending forthcoming WHO programmatic guidance, including a WHO recommended testing strategy. This note also emphasizes the need to ensure the quality of HIV and syphilis testing using RDTs, as well as laboratory-based testing, to avoid false positive and false negative HIV and syphilis results.

This fifth round of Integrated Biological and Behavioral Surveillance (IBBS) survey was conducted among Female Sex Workers (FSWs) in Pokhara valley with the aim to monitor the trends of HIV and STIs (syphilis, gonorrhea and Chlamydia) prevalence and also the relevant risk behaviors in this population.

This is the sixth round of the IBBS study conducted among FSWs in 22 highway districts of Nepal. This survey is a part of the National HIV Surveillance Plan (2012) and National HIV and AIDS Strategy (20112016). In line with the objectives of the previous rounds of IBBS surveys, the sixth round of survey was undertaken to determine the prevalence of HIV and STIs, assess HIV and STI related risk behaviours, explore the level of awareness and understanding of HIV/STIs, record STI symptoms, account incidence of violence, as well as assess exposure to HIV intervention programs and services among FSWs in 22 highway districts of Nepal.

This is the first round IBBS survey among MSM/TG conducted in eight districts of Terai Highway in Nepal and field work conducted by National Institute for Development and Research (NIDR). The eight districts namely Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari (Eastern Terai), Nawalparasi, Rupandehi, Kapilbastu (Western Terai), Kailali and Kanchanpur (Far-western Terai) were purposively selected on the basis of previous round of size estimation, consultation with relevant stakeholders during the formative assessment. The main objectives of the IBBS surveys were: to determine the prevalence and trend of HIV Syphilis, Chlamydia Trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria Gonorrhoea (NG) and associated risk behaviors among MSM/TG, collect information related to socio-demographic characteristics and explore the association between the risk behaviors and HIV and other specific STIs among the MSM/TG population.

This is the fifth round of survey conducted among males who inject drugs in 7 highway districts in Terai from Western to Far-western region of Nepal. A total of 300 men were selected as the sample among the ones who met the criteria of the study population. The study found that there is a prevalence of HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C in the study population. The drug injecting and sexual risk behavior related to HIV and AIDS, STIs, HBV and HCV was assessed and the knowledge of the PWIDs related to prevention of HIV and AIDS, STIs and HCV and their behavior seeking health care was also identified.

This is the first round of the IBBS Survey conducted among street involved children and youths in three districts in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. This survey is a part of the National HIV Surveillance Plan (2012) and National HIV and AIDS Strategy (2011-2016). The first round of the survey was undertaken to determine the prevalence of HIV infections and to assess the sexual and/or injecting behaviors related to HIV among street involved children and youths in the Kathmandu Valley.

This is the fifth round of Integrated Biological and Behavioral Surveillance (IBBS) survey conducted among 400 clients of sex workers (truckers) who drive trucks in 22 districts of the East–West highway of Nepal. Fieldwork for the survey was carried out from 13 February 2016 to 9 March 2016. The survey was undertaken primarily to track the trend of HIV prevalence among the truckers and to understand their sexual behaviors, practice of use of condom and their exposures to different HIV and AIDS prevention to care programme. Information on the socio-demographic, mobility history, sexual behavior and condom use, knowledge on STI, HIV and AIDS, and exposure to STI, HIV and AIDS awareness programs, and stigma against HIV infected person was collected using a structured questionnaire.

Since the release of the consolidated guidelines in 2015, new evidence has emerged. Consequently, in an effort to further support countries, programme managers, health workers and other stakeholders seeking to achieve national and international HIV goals, this 2016 update issues new recommendations and additional guidance on HIV self-testing (HIVST) and assisted HIV partner notification services.

This third edition of the Unitaid/WHO market and technology landscape: HIV rapid diagnostic tests for self-testing report summarizes the current HIV testing gap; the challenges facing efforts to scale up; and the potential role HIV self-testing (HIVST) could play to achieve the United Nation's 90-90-90 targets. In particular, the report synthesises the existing and emerging market demand and supply of kits. The information in this report is intended for manufacturers, donors, national programmes, researchers and other global health stakeholders who are exploring the potential role of HIVST.

Vietnam Agency of AIDS Control (VAAC) has approved the PrEP piloting plan for 1,200 people in Ho Chi Minh City (implemented by PATH) in 18 months.