Welcome to MeroSathi

MeroSathi, which means “my friend” in Nepali, is an online reservation system designed to offer a simple and convenient way to book life-saving HIV services. It ensures your data is handled with the utmost care, maintaining complete anonymity and privacy throughout the process. Our goal is to make it easy for you to stay healthy and informed, while respecting your privacy every step of the way. To learn more about how MeroSathi collects, uses, and protects your information, please see our Terms of Use and Data Policy below.

 

Project background

MeroSathi was created by EpiC Nepal with funding from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The platform aligns with Nepal’s National HIV Strategic Plan (2022–2026), which emphasizes the critical role of digital and mobile health technologies in improving access to health information and services. By introducing MeroSathi, EpiC Nepal has leveraged innovative online strategies to enhance outreach to at-risk groups and people living with HIV (PLHIV). Traditionally, HIV programs relied heavily on face-to-face interactions, but these methods can be resource-intensive and limited in reach. MeroSathi bridges these gaps by providing an easy-to-use, confidential online service that connects individuals directly to essential HIV testing and treatment.

 

Health tips

If you find out you have HIV, remember that with proper care, you can still enjoy a healthy, fulfilling life. HIV treatment, called Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), is highly effective and available free of charge across Nepal. Taking your ART medication regularly, maintaining a balanced diet, getting adequate rest, and going for routine check-ups will help keep you healthy and reduce the risk of transmission. Staying connected with your healthcare providers and seeking support when needed can also greatly enhance your quality of life.

 

Merosathi client terms of use policy

Introduction

MeroSathi helps you easily book appointments for life-saving HIV services. Your appointment details are shared with your chosen service providers and client support staff to help you access care and track your appointments. MeroSathi is managed by FHI 360 Nepal Office, committed to protecting your privacy and following local data protection laws. By using MeroSathi, you agree to these terms. Contact us if you have any questions (details at the end).

1. Key terms

• Personally Identifying Information (PII): Information like your name, phone number, date of birth, location, and health details that identify you.
• Controller: FHI 360 Nepal, responsible for managing your information.
• Clients: Anyone booking services through MeroSathi ("you").
• Service providers: Health professionals registered on MeroSathi.
• Client support staff: Staff helping clients book and manage appointments.

2. How do we collect your information?

• You enter your details when booking an appointment, or service providers/support staff enter them with your consent.
• Providers report if you attended your appointment and what services you received.
• Limited information is automatically collected when you visit the site, such as your location and device type.

3. What kind of information do we collect and how do we use it?

• Appointment information: Name, phone number, date of birth to confirm appointments and identify with you.
• Demographic information: Sex, age, and other information to ensure services reach everyone equally.
• Sexual health information: Answers to sexual health questions help recommend suitable services (kept confidential).
• Service access information: Records of attended appointments and services provided.
• Client feedback: Optional feedback to improve service quality.
• Referral information: Phone numbers and health needs of people you refer to MeroSathi.
• Location information: Your location helps you find the nearest services, but it is not stored.
• Cookies/tracking information: Collected to understand site traffic and improve user experience.

4. How is your information shared?

• Your appointment details are shared only with your selected service providers and support staff.
• Providers report health services received, but detailed health information stays confidential within your chosen service provider team.
• Personal data isn't shared with other databases or government systems, except as anonymous summaries.
• Your data is stored securely on servers outside Nepal but accessed only by authorized FHI 360 staff to support services.

5. How do we protect your information?

We secure your data using strong technical measures:

• Only trained and authorized staff can access your information.
• Data is encrypted, backed up securely, and protected by passwords.
• Your phone number is stored securely and encrypted.

6. What kind of communication will you receive?

• Automated SMS or messenger app messages to confirm and remind you about appointments.
• Follow-up messages to gather feedback or provide important updates.
• Personal calls or messages from providers or support staff for assistance.

7. How can I edit my communication preferences?

• You can opt-out of messages or calls when booking or through your provider/support staff.
• Contact us directly to permanently stop SMS or other communications.

8. How can you manage or delete your information?

To edit or delete your data on MeroSathi, please send details of your request by email to privacy@fhi360.org.

9. What is the minimum legal age to use MeroSathi?

You must be at least 18 years old to use MeroSathi. Providers may ask for proof of age before providing certain services.

10. How to contact MeroSathi/FHI 360 with questions?

FHI 360 Nepal Office

Email: merosathi360@gmail.com

Phone: 977.1.4537173

Office address: Gopal Bhawan, Anamika Galli, Baluwatar, Kathmandu-4, Nepal. (Office location)

 

FHI 360 HQ (USA):

Email: GoingOnline@fhi360.org

Data questions: privacy@fhi360.org

Office address: 359 Blackwell Street, Suite 200 Durham, NC 27701, USA

 

FHI 360 is committed to making our programs safe for everyone. Please let us know if you ever feel uncomfortable or hurt by anyone from FHI 360, including anyone who works with one of our partner organizations. You can send an email to compliance@fhi360.org; report a case anonymously online here; or call FHI 360’s hotline +1.720.514.4400. FHI 360 commits to non-retaliation against anyone who submits a report.