KATHMANDU, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- The second phase of the project for the fighting against HIV/AIDS is being currently delayed due to lack of preparedness, the National NGO Network Group Against AIDS Nepal (NANGAN) said on Saturday.

    The delay for the implementation of the second phase is being attributed to the complacence demonstrated by the National Center for AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Control, which has "not kept pace with the fight," NANGAN General Secretary Jagdish Bhatta told reporters.

    Money for the 9-month-long project, which kicked off on Jan. 1 and ended on Sept. 30, had come from the Geneva-based Global Fund for Fight Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Bhatta said.

    The funds for the first phase of the project aimed at raising awareness level among migrants crossing the southern border were 6 million U.S. dollars.

    The activities of 25 non-governmental organizations involved in AIDS campaigning included establishment of 16 counseling centers along the southern border and working towards voluntary testing and counseling services in six districts, according to Bhatta.

    "We are facing a situation in which we are not able to go into implementation of the second phase project. The second phase will run until July 2008," Bhatta said.

    But he conceded that the first phase job has got cost extension, meaning arrangement has been made to keep the field activities going for the next two months, he added. Enditem