Speakers call for legislation to prevent HIV spread

Speakers at a seminar called for bringing the professions of beauticians, barbers and hairdressers under the category of trade license to prevent the spread of HIV through the professionals related to these fields. The moot, held to mark the World's AIDS Day, was held under the aegis of Directorate of Health Services and was widely attended by leading doctors, medical officers, paramedics and civil society representatives.
During the seminar, the participants were briefed that Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in human beings. It was also informed that the virus weakens a person's ability to fight infections. It was told that having HIV does not always mean that one has AIDS. Rather, it can take years for people with the HIV virus to develop AIDS that cannot be cured.
Dr Saeed Ahmed Senior, Director Health, in his speech informed the audience that a survey of beauticians, barbers and hairdresser was carried out by the Directorate of Health Services to find out the cases of HIV Aids and Hepatitis.
"During this survey, more than 500 beauticians, barbers and hairdressers were tested in the capital city but no case of HIV was found. In my view, these professions may be brought under the category of trade license to prevent the spread of HIV through beauticians, barbers and hairdressers shops," he added.
Sharing the information about HIV spread, the senior physician said the transmission of HIV virus can be prevented through avoiding multi-use of instruments intended to penetrate the skin; reusable instruments or devices that penetrate the skin and contract a client's blood should be thoroughly cleansed and sterilised between clients according to medical guidelines; practice of safe methods to prevent HIV; decide not to engage in high risk behaviours; taking strict precautionary measures during blood transfusion; and creation of awareness about HIV prevention with family, friends, and colleagues.
The world observed December 1 as AIDS Day with the objective to create awareness and save the people from the deadly disease. This year the AIDS Day was observed with the theme "Leadership" with slogan "Stop Aids, Keep the Promise". According to an official report, around 80,000 people across Pakistan are suffering from HIV/Aids. However, according to the international institutions, about 120,000 Pakistanis are suffering from AIDS. The registered patients of HIV/AIDS are around 1500. There are 33 to 35 million patients of HIV/AIDS around the world.