At a press conference organised by Shakti Milan Samaj, a social organization working for HIV infected women here today, they said though they had heard that a great amount was received in aid for HIV/ AIDS sector from donors, their problems could not be addressed in the government’s policies and programmes.

Similarly, expressing regret that the perception of the society towards them has not changed yet, they demanded the government to guarantee for free treatment, care, resettlement, social security and jobs, and announce a special programme for them to eke out livings. "The government should make arrangements for free education to our children and announce legal action against all violence against us regarding it as a crime against the state," they further demanded.

Around 55 HIV infected women were provided with a skill development training whereas 65 children were provided with support in education so far by the Samaj, informed Chairperson Goma Rai.

Likewise, stating that the women had to suffer from HIV infection due to the cultural, economic and domestic violence against them, Programmemme Coordinator of the Samaj Mamata KC shared her bitter experiences from the society and urged all to save her life as how to live is the foremost problem.

Meanwhile the Fifth National Women Volunteer Health Workers’ Day is being observed across the country with the slogan ‘Service of Health Volunteers: Support to Healthy Society’.

Giving message on the occasion of the Day today, Minister for Health and Population Giriraj Mani Pokhrel said the women health volunteers who play an important role to improve the health situation of child and mother in the communities should be more active in the days ahead.

Minister Pokhrel expressed commitment that the government was always ready to extend help to this regard.

Similarly, Officiating Secretary at the Ministry Dr Dirgha Singh Bam said the credit to decrease the child and maternal mortality rate in Nepal goes largely to the women volunteer health workers. He appealed to the civil society, organizations and concerned bodies to encourage the women volunteer health workers respecting their service.

Moreover, General Director of Health Service Department, Dr Govinda Prasad Ojha, said he expected that the women volunteer health workers setting example with devoted service will be more effective and get more support in the days ahead.