There are 6152 registered AIDS patients in Punjab:Director Punjab AIDS Control Programme

Lahore: Advisor to Chief Minister on Health Kh. Salman Rafique has said that United Nations AIDS Control Program’s Strategy for 2016 to 2020 is being fully implemented in the province for controlling HIV/AIDS and transfer of its virus. He said that provincial government is spending a sum of 400 million rupees annually on AIDS Control Program and more funds will be provided under new PC-I.

He was addressing an awareness seminar on AIDS arranged by Punjab AIDS Control Programme, in connection with World AIDS Day at PC Hotel here today.

Director Punjab AIDS Control Programme Dr. Salman Shahid, Director General Health Dr. Amjad Shehzad, representative of UNICEF Dr. Naila Shahid, Dr. Fahmeda of USAID, representative of Global Fund Dr. Sajid, Deputy Manager of PACP Dr. Faisal, international partners, representatives of NGOs, representatives of civil society, male and female besides a large number of transgender attended the seminar.

Speakers said that there are number of causes for spread of AIDS and this disease should not be considered a stigma. He said that there should not be discriminately attitude towards patients of this disease. Dr. Salman Shahid informed that PACP is being run with the resources of Punjab government which is making full funding. He said that access to HIV patients is a big challenge as they are reluctant to report due to various reasons.

Dr. Salman Shahid said that there are 6152 registered AIDS patients in Punjab who are being provided free treatment facilities. He said that a programme has also been started to protect the babies of women affected by AIDS from the virus which is yielding very encouraging results. He said that out of 177 pregnant women suffering from AIDS only two babies have been born HIV positive which is a big success of this programme.

Representative of Global Fund Dr. Sajid said that though Punjab population is half of the country however, Punjab is leading in disease control and the indicators of Punjab government in this regard are the best. Dr. Salman Rafique said that besides government civil society, NGOs, media, religious leaders and all segments of society will have to make collective efforts for prevention against AIDS.

He directed that UNAIDS Strategy should be implemented on fast track basis in Punjab and no effort should be spared for giving a practical shape to the theme of zero new HIV infection. He said that awareness should be promoted in the society against AIDS.

Kh. Salman Rafique further said that legislation will soon be made for empowerment of Blood Transfusion Authority for ensuring safe blood transfusion.