Nepal, May 9 -- HIV infection (reactive) has been detected in the blood of 29 donors over the past five fiscal years in Jhapa, according to the Nepal Red Cross Society's Jhapa branch.

The cases were identified during mandatory laboratory testing at blood transfusion service centres operated by the organization in Bhadrapur, Birtamod, and Damak.

The blood samples were tested for infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and syphilis before being cleared for transfusion to patients.

Shishir Dahal, in charge of the Bhadrapur Blood Transfusion Service Centre, said one donor tested HIV positive in fiscal year 2078/79. The number increased to two in 2079/80, six in 2080/81, 14 in 2081/82, and six in 2082/83.

He said that if...