Kathmandu, Mar. 24: Incidence of hiv/aids is reported to be on the increase in Nepal in proportion to increased cases of drug abuse and growing number of drug addicts sharing common syringes.

The number of drug addicts is estimated at around 50,000 at present, 20,000 of them are believed to shaing common syringes.

According to a survey conducted by National aids and std Prevention Centre in 1999, about 40 per cent of total drug addicts are found hiv positive.

In the beginning of 1970 the spread of hiv/aids was due to the use of non-sterilised syringe but later, this led to the spread of hepatitis ‘b’ and ‘c’. This was revealed in a working paper presented by Rishiraj Ojha at a programme on “the role of district level policy makers and planners in mitigating loss from drug abuse” held here recently by Youth Power Nepal.

According to the centre, out of total drug addicts, hepatitis ‘B’ is found in 5.9 per cent and hepatitis ‘C’ in 60.2 per cent.

Around 10 million drug addicts are scattered  in 128 countries all over the world and those who use syringe account for 40 per cent, according to the unaids.

The transmission of virus of hiv/aids from one person to another is on a rapid rise due to the use of same syringe by many drug addicts. The drugs addicts groups are becoming increasingly vulnerable to hiv throughout the world.

According to the statistics published by the centre in February, 2000, some 1,468 cases of hiv positive have been detected and of them, 174 cases are related to those who use syringe.

The figure ranks second after the unsafe sexual contacts.

A large number of infected persons from hiv belong to the financially sound group. According to the last year’s survey, some 240 out of 750 drugs addicts or 34 per cent are found hiv positive.

Incidents of manhandling, rape and theft are increasing in most of the nations of the world due to the rise in number of drug addicts, Mr. Ojha elucidated in his working paper.

Despite the initiatives taken at national as well as international level to control the malpractice, the number is raising.

His Majesty’s Government has launched a mitigation programme to minimise the losses due to the growing cases of drug addicts. This include generating awareness on hazards of exchanging syringes, distribution of condoms, counselling and educational programmes.

The programme is considered helpful in minimising the chances victimisation or exposure to aids since not only the drug addicts but also the persons coming in contact with them are also feared to fall victim to it.