The World Health Organisation (WHO) has set an objective goal to provide anti-retroviral (ARV) services for 4,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in Nepal, published reports said Tuesday.

“A target of getting services for 400,000 HIV/AIDS victims in the South East Asian region by 2005 has been proposed, with 4,000 in Nepal,” the Himalayan Times quoted Dr. Klaus Wagner, WHO representative in Nepal, as saying.

“Nepal’s concerned ministry should not just announce policies but bring out programs in practical terms,” the Kathmandu Post quoted Wagner, as saying.

Health Minister Kamal Thapa, meanwhile, said the ARV treatment in Nepal will be available by mid-January. Speaking on the occasion of World AIDS Day, Thapa said despite having enough resources and commitment the government is lacking on the implementation front.

There are an estimated 61,000 HIV/AIDS patients in Nepal, with 8,500 in need of ARV treatment. However, only 250 are receiving the therapy at present.

Noteworthy, the government has begun ARV treatment for pregnant women and children at the Thapathali Maternity Hospital from December 1, 2003.