Punjab govt has allocated a huge amount for AIDs Control Programme :Khalil Tahir Sandhu

Lahore: Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs and Human Rights, Khalil Tahir Sandhu has said that Punjab government has allocated a huge amount for Punjab AIDs Control Programme.

He said this while addressing an awareness seminar on the topic of united efforts, social rehabilitation and complete elimination of AIDs held on the occasion of World AIDs Day under the aegis of Phonin Foundation at University of Education College Road, Lahore. Vice Chancellor Dr. Rauf Azam, Dr. Noor-ul Zaman Rafiq, Dr. Faisal Majeed, Bashir Naz, Miss Mariya Ali and others also spoke on the occasion and threw light on the figures, causes and treatment of AIDs.

Khalil Tahir Sandhu said that AIDs is a world problem and AIDs free society programme 2020 is being implemented with the cooperation of UNO. He said that illiteracy, use of drugs, poverty and other social problems are important causes of AIDs. He said that protection from all diseases is possible through observing hygienic principles. He also threw light on Punjab AIDs Control and Awareness Programme and appreciated the role of civil society, media and NGOs in this campaign.

The Provincial Minister said that observing of World AIDs Day is aimed at to inform the people about the steps for protection from this disease which is spread through use of drugs, blood transfusion and used syringes. He said that treatment, guidance and rehabilitation facilities are being provided to the AIDs patients by Health Department only in Punjab province.

He said that due to the awareness campaign of the government and collective efforts, this disease will be completely controlled by 2020. He said that at present treatment of AIDs is being provided only in government hospitals. He said that action is also continuing by the government against quakes and medical stores selling fake medicines.

He further said that awareness material about AIDs is also being included in the syllabus. Earlier, awareness about AIDs and drugs was provided through puppet show. Shields were distributed among the participants at the end of the function.