The World HIV/AIDS Day was observed across the nation today, with various programmes.

Speaking at a programme organised by the Ministry of Health and Population here to mark the day, Minister for Health and Population Ram Janam Chaudhary said that he was committed to expanding antiretroviral treatment (ART) service as envisioned in the National Health Policy 2071 BS.

Minister Chaudhary pointed out the need of stepping forward the implementation of HIV-related strategies and plans to make the ART service more effective and tackle its challenges.

Speaking at the event, Health Ministry Secretary Shanta Bahadur Shrestha said that care and treatment for HIV infected people were getting accessible lately and that it was need of the hour to have strategic, effective and strong commitments and efforts and make investment to put the epidemic to an end in Nepal by 2030.

Similarly, Achyut Sitaula, chairman of the National HIVAIDs Federation Nepal, said that many people living with HIV have yet to get access to ART service, stressing the need for bringing programmes, targeting people with HIV due to drug abuses and providing access of ART service to all living with HIV.