The situation of AIDS/HIV patients is alarming in the country as the number of such patients has increased to 165,000, while 22,000 people suffering annually from this harmful virus.
This was said by Dr Baseer Achkazi, National Programme Manager, National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) in a media briefing which held in connection with World AIDS Day.
He said that not only this but the number of such patients is being increased with each new year, which he said was very alarming for the future.
The World AIDS Day observers on December 1 every year. The theme of this day varies in ever new year. This year theme of the day was set ‘Communities Make the Difference’. The purpose to mark the day was to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and express solidarity with people living with the pandemic. The day is an opportunity for public and private partners to spread awareness about the status of the pandemic and encourage progress in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care around the world.
Dr Achakzai said that Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination is at the forefront to mobilising resources and advocating for the cause of prevention and control of HIV/AIDS. Government with support of international organisations is fully committed to provide preventive and medical facilities to patients suffering from HIV virus. Patients hesitate to register themselves with NACP but due to continuous efforts we have seen increase of registered people with NACP from 4,500 in 2013 to 36,902 in 2019. MNHSR&C continues to strive to make bold efforts in accelerating progress towards epidemic control. The MoNHSR&C and NACP have engaged in various collaborations between the Provincial Governments and International organisations. NACP has formulated various strategic plans and an enabling environment for testing of people for HIV/AIDS. This also includes provision and adherence of treatment services to combat the pandemic of HIV/AIDS. In 2019, 50,000 people has used the free test facility from different treatment centres across Pakistan and on positive results they were registered by NACP. But only 10 percent people go for HIV test which is an alarming situation for government as well as international organisations.
Despite efforts by NACP to indulge in implementing evidence-based, targeted prevention interventions among key population groups, new infections have increased in the recent years. Pakistan now faces a concentrated epidemic because of the injecting drug users with HIV prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Similarly other high risk groups / communities such as men who have sex with ( MSM), Female Sex Workers and Hijra Sex Workers (HSWs) appear to have reached the threshold level. These communities upon interaction with the bridging population can spread HIV/AIDS rapidly to the rest of the population.
Dr. Achkazai further added that NACP is engaging communities such as the Female Sex Workers (FSWs), Male Sex Workers (MSWs) and Trans-genders through their community based organisations. In this instance 17 Community Based Organisations were taken on board by the National AIDS Control Programme.
