Mapping and Size Estimation of Key Populations on HIV Surveillance in Nepal

Abstract

Introduction: The HIV epidemic in Nepal is mainly concentrated among key populations, including people who inject drugs, gay men and other men who have sex with men, transgender people, female sex workers, and male labor migrants and their spouses. In countries with this type of concentrated HIV epidemic, the size of the key population estimation is important to address the national epidemic.

Objectives: The study has been designed to estimate the district and national level size of key populations at risk of HIV infection and providing a foundation for policy and programing and to guide the national response to address HIV epidemic.

Methods: This is a prospective mapping exercise study done in 44 districts of Nepal. Semi-structured interview were carried out among key populations members as well as non-key population key informants who were familiar with the local situation in and around the high prevalence areas. The study was conducted from August until November 2016. The collected data has been complied on Census and Survey Processing System and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Science software package 16 version.

Results: The national estimates of key populations were FSW around 54,207, MSM/MSW/TG around 112,150 of which men having sex with men were 67,292. The PWID individuals range around 34,487.

Conclusion: To fast track the response to achieve global 90-90-90 targets for the continuum of prevention to care, the country is updating its understanding of key population sizes and risk behaviors in different geographical area.