Workshop on AIDS prevention starts in Lahore

Lahore: A three day training workshop on HIV/AIDS prevention from parents to child transfusion (PPTCT) began at a local hotel, under the Punjab AIDS control programme, in which more than 50 doctors are taking part from all the four provinces. The basic objective of the workshop is to impart training regarding provision of preventive measures and medical care in connection with prevention of AIDS from parents to child transfusion.

Addressing the inaugural meeting, Director Punjab AIDS Control Programme Dr. Salman Shahid apprised that, in cooperation with UNICEF, six PPCT have been established in six districts of Punjab including Lahore, Gujrat, Dera Ghazi Khan, Sargodha and Faisalabad. So far 25 children of HIV/AIDS affected mothers, have been tested against HIV/AIDS out of which 23 children were found to be saved from the HIV virus. He further said that this test is conducted within the age of 1 and a half month of child. Dr. Salman Shahid emphasized that the basic purpose of conducting the workshop is to bring together all the doctors of four provinces and federal capital at a single platform to launch a joint struggle in order to combat the challenge of HIV/AIDS menace. Programme Manager Dr. Salman Shahid further said that World Bank had been provided funds upto 80% to the Punjab AIDS Control Programme till 2010, however, afterword, the Punjab government is meeting all budgetary requirements of the programme from its own resources and besides, limited financial resources, provision of AIDS related medical care and consulling centres setting is continuing. Under the Punjab AIDS Control Progamme comprehensive training is being imparted to doctors, nurses and Lady Health Workers at district level. He said, according to an estimate, 97 thousand persons have been affected by HIV/AIDS in Pakistan, out of which 28% are women and 2 % children.

During the inaugural session of three day Intra Provincial Training workshop under the auspices of Punjab AIDS Programme, Dr. Nasir of UNICEF, Dr. Quaid Saeed of World Health Organization, Dr. Jameel Ahmed Ch. of UNFPA, Dr. Nasir khan, manager, Balochistan AIDS Control Programme, Dr. Rizwan Qazi of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences Islamablad, Dr. Rajool Khan, programme manager, Aids Control of Khyberpakhtoon Khawa and Dr. Azra Ghias Abro from Sindh addressed on the occasion and apprised the participants about on going activities regarding controlling the AIDS menace in their respective provinces..