Kathmandu (Pahichan) July 23 – Transgender and homosexuals are at the high risk of HIV and sexually transmitted disease, according to a study. National Center for AID and STD Control conducted study from Ashwin to Chaitra focusing on biological practical aspect of HIV-risk groups.

The survey conducted in 22 districts of Terai shows that male and transgender increased by more than 8% as the HIV’s prevalence rate. In such center conducted survey immigrant male with their wife’s and women involved as sex workers working in India among risk groups held such conservation survey.

The prevalence of sexually transmitted infection was higher in transgender which were more than 2% as compared to other group which infection rate were 1%, according to study. In such infective groups, there weren’t enough knowledge about the consumption of condoms, HIV-related knowledge as well as counseling services.

These are main reasons behind the growing level of infection among the members of this community. Due to prevalence use of condom by transgender 57% and 67% use by female involved as sex worker. According to the study conducted by National Bureau of Statistics, 38% of the beneficiaries were suffered from Hepatitis c. Hepatitis C infected with high risk of HIV.

According to Dr. Bashudev Pandey, Director at National Center for AID and STD Control said there results have not achieved as expected. He said free condom distribution has not been effective and there is not an appropriate environment for the members of this community to come publicly with their plights.

Due to their discrimination against infective people, they are deprived of their rights of their right to live with honor. They cannot fight with discrimination, so they are migrating from their home town. Due to insecure sexual contact these groups were in high risk, said transgender Sarita KC.

She further added that they are forced to choose sex as profession due to lack of job opportunity, and they are working on body risk if costumer do not use antiseptic tools. She suggested government should provide safe sexual education and awareness programs targeting to this community.

About 30 years ago, HIV was spotted in Nepal. For reducing HIV, the state is investing higher amount of money. Three decades ago, HIV infection was found in one as compared to per thousand people.

The government has provided free of cost treatment and medicine service to this community. For such purpose, there are 68 ARV center across the country. Free of cost treatment is available in those centers.

This story is copied from Kantipur. It is translated by Bhawana Humagain for pahichan.com