The National Centre for AIDS and STD Control (NCASC) convened a national meeting to validate Nepal’s draft National HIV Strategic Plan (NHSP) 2026–2031. Chaired by the Health Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Food Safety (MoHFS), the meeting brought together senior government officials, members of the Steering Committee and Strategic Plan Development Team, representatives of relevant ministries, UN agencies, development partners and key population networks.
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Participants engaged at the programme held to validate Nepal’s draft National HIV Strategic Plan 2026–2031. Photo credit: WHO Nepal
The draft NHSP builds on a comprehensive review of the 2021–2026 strategic plan and consultations held at subnational levels between January to September 2026. Participants reviewed proposed strategic actions across eight result areas and provided recommendations to strengthen the plan’s response to Nepal’s evolving HIV epidemiology and the needs of affected populations, while addressing human rights, equity, programme sustainability and the changing financing landscape.
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The Health Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Food Safety (left) and Dr Kenza Bennani, Team Lead for Disease Prevention and Control at WHO Nepal, delivering remarks during the programme held to validate Nepal’s draft National HIV Strategic Plan 2026–2031. Photo credit: WHO Nepal
The NHSP 2026–2031 is aligned with the Global AIDS Strategy 2026–2031; WHO’s Global Health Sector Strategies on HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections; the WHO South-East Asia Regional Office’s Integrated Regional Action Plan (IRAP); and SDG target 3.3. Led by the Government of Nepal, the plan has been developed through an inclusive and participatory process, with technical support from WHO, UNAIDS, UNDP, FHI 360 and other partners.
Once finalized, the NHSP will provide the strategic framework for Nepal’s national HIV response for 2026–2031.
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Stakeholders present at the programme held to validate Nepal’s draft National HIV Strategic Plan 2026–2031. Photo credit: WHO Nepal
WHO Nepal will continue to support the NCASC and the national HIV programme, working alongside UNAIDS, UNDP, the Global Fund, development partners, civil society and communities to translate the plan’s strategic priorities into effective, equitable and sustainable action.