In their battle against AIDS, HIV-positive people of Nepal have found a new ally: the government. Recently, the ministry of health and ministry of women and social welfare announced an extensive HIV / AIDS education programme that plans to increase the students' access to non-discriminatory medical services. The number of AIDS victims in Nepal has shot up in the last decade. Over 955 Nepalis have been declared HIV-positive and the country recorded some 179 AIDS-related deaths last year.