Some 30 cases have been confirmed as HIV positive after re-testing in Jalalpur Jatan area of Gujrat district in Punjab, according to official sources. Blood samples of 246 people were collected from the area out of which 88 were suspected to be HIV positive after preliminary testing. However, on re-testing so far 30 of the cases were confirmed as HIV positive.
The sources said further suspected HIV positive cases are being re-tested to reach a definite conclusion. The Ministry of Health has directed the relevant authorities to constitute a three-member committee to investigate reported cases. The committee will consist of three scientists including one from National Aids Control Programme (NACP).
The committee members will soon visit the area to collect facts. The committee members will also meet the local administration. Programme Manager National AIDS Control Programme Dr Hassan Abbas Zaheer said that so far no Aids case has been reported from the area. He said NACP has arranged logistic support for HIV positive people for tests in Lahore and after all tests NACP will provide treatment facilities to them.
He said NACP has set up information centre to help the people of the area and prevent their exploitation by quacks operating in the area. He informed that an estimated 70,000 to 80,000 people are affected with HIV virus in the country while registered HIV patients are 5,000. He said NACP has prepared service delivery package for high risk target groups.
Comments
Comments are closed.