FHI - Women in Nepal Work Together to Reduce HIV/AIDS Stigma

with Women Acting Together for Change (WATCH) to reach marginalized women at high risk for HIV transmission. WATCH works in Kathmandu and the Central Terai region providing HIV prevention messages through information centers and intensive outreach and peer education programs.

In the coming months, WATCH will be expanding their prevention program to include VCT and care/support services in the Central Terai area. In addition to their work with FHI, WATCH conducts a variety of community-based programs and has forged close relationships with the community.

Through this network, WATCH has linked the FHI HIV/AIDS prevention program with programs in literacy, income generation and skills development, and gained the trust of women in the community.

FHI also works closely with Sneha Samaj, an HIV-positive network of women in Nepal. Sneha Samaj will be conducting a variety of activities in the coming year focused on the reduction of stigma and discrimination against HIV-positive women.

Photo: FHI and its partners recognize World AIDS Day with special activities and events under the theme "Women, Children and AIDS." (FHI)