Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC) Project Cooperative Agreement No. 7200AA19CA00002 Nepal Semi-Annual Progress Report April 1 to September 30, 2021

The project is implementing HIV programs in 37 districts that include 48 government-managed antiretroviral therapy (ART) sites, three non-government organization (NGO)-managed ART sites, and 19 city clinics managed by EpiC Nepal-supported NGOs. EpiC Nepal was able to reach key population (KPs) and other high-risk groups as expected. EpiC Nepal mobilized 123 community-based supporters (CBS) for HIV outreach, service navigation, and support in 26 project districts with comprehensive HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support services. By the end of fiscal year 21 (FY21), 37,418 people were reached for HIV prevention services, which is 135% of the FY21 annual target. Among those reached, 39% were men who have sex with men (MSM), 32% members of priority populations (PPs), 19% female sex workers (FSWs), and 10% transgender (TG) people. Population-wise, the project achieved 188% of the prevention reach target for MSM, 160% of the target for transgender people, 109% for FSWs, and 107% for PPs, including clients of FSWs. EpiC Nepal also demonstrated linkages to either treatment or HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as relevant based on test results and risk assessment data. The project used both in-person and virtual platforms to reach KPs and PPs. The project distributed 3,843,485 condoms and 1,404,656 lubricants in FY21. During the second SA period, 1,652,989 condoms and 533,723 lubricants were distributed. By the end of FY21, a total of 3,220 individuals newly initiated PrEP from 19 EpiC Nepal-supported facilities, which is 112% of the annual target. Of those who newly initiated PrEP, 1,299 (40%) were FSWs, 1,218 (38%) were MSM, 583 (18%) were transgender people, and the remaining 120 (4%) were other high-risk individuals. The project achieved high rates of new case identification, with 10.3% of individuals tested positive in FY21. EpiC Nepal also supported the Nepal national HIV program by rolling out the “One National HIV Information System” (ONHIS) and facilitating finalization of the National HIV Strategic Plan (NHSP) 2021-2026. EpiC Nepal completed subaward modifications for 21 of its implementing partners in this period. The project's achievements in the second SA period contributed to 45% of the FY21 annual target. Among those reached, 70% were MSM, 48% transgender people, 38% members of PPs, and 27% FSWs.