I am so proud that the Government of Pakistan is joining again the global community in commemorating the World AIDS Day. It is the day of the year when people worldwide unite in the fight against HIV, show their utmost support for people living with HIV, and commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness. Five months ago, UNAIDS released the "Global AIDS Update 2018: Miles to Go".
It highlights the key milestones achieved and the challenges that Member States are facing in reaching the agreed targets towards ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. As the report mentioned, AIDS is not over yet, but it can be. And there's still miles to go...
This global report comes with regional and country snapshots, highlight country-specific progress. For Pakistan, the report includes:
• The passage of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act of May 2018, which guarantees basic rights of transgender persons and outlaws discrimination against them. Hence, it is envisaged that access to health and HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services by transgender person will be enhanced. According to the report, Pakistan is one of the first countries to codify such protection in national legislation.
-- Over 90% of HIV infections are coming from Punjab and Sindh.
-- HIV testing coverage stands at 16%
-- Treatment coverage is 7%, the lowest in Asia and the Pacific (although because of concerted efforts, this is quickly increasing now at 10% as of end of September2018).
-- AIDS financing is dominantly from international sources (64%).
-- Stigma and discrimination remain to be a huge barrier in improving access to HIV prevention, testing and life-saving treatment services.
Let me end by quoting Michel Sidi be, UNAIDS Executive Director, in his 2018 WAD message, "Live life positively. Know your status".
Comments
Comments are closed.