The United Nations Tuesday provided Rs.311.9 million (US$4.36)to Nepal from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS for the effective implementation of programs for controlling HIV/AIDS.

Spokesman of the Health Ministry Dr Hari Nath Acharya and the UN representative to Nepal, Mathew Kahane, signed an agreement in Kathmandu today.

The fund will be used in HIV/AIDS control and awareness programs over the next two years. It is also agreed that the Kathmandu-based UN office will provide technical assistance for Nepal’s anti-AIDS programs.

Speaking on the occasion, Kahane said the UN would continue its support Nepal’s drive against the HIV/AIDS.

According to an official estimate, there are over 16000 HIV positives in Nepal while 200 deaths have been recorded so far. nepalnews.com mbk Feb 22 05