Principal, Allama Iqbal Medical College (AIMC), Professor Dr Javed Akram, on Saturday warned of serious risk factors that may put Pakistan in danger cause of rapid spread of HIV/AIDS epidemic if immediate and vigorous action was not taken.
Talking to the newsmen here, Dr Javed said that although AIDS in Pakistan was not a major health issue, however, low awareness of HIV/AIDS, high drug use and acceptance of non-marital sex in the society had allowed the AIDS epidemic to take hold in Pakistan.
The recent cases of AIDS in Jalalpur Jattan put the country at high alert as majority of the people was infected with HIV-AIDS due to their mere ignorance. He stressed the authorities concerned to enhance the capability of formal surveillance systems so that HIV-AIDS cases should be unearthed as soon as possible in any part of the country.
He said that although sex workers were major contributor for spreading HIV/AIDS in Pakistan but other factors like using of non-sterile injections among drug users, barber shops, quake dentists was also major cause in the overall HIV transmission scenario.
Pakistan is a predominantly Muslim country and the best way to control HIV/AIDS was carrying out the teachings of Islam in its true spirit. He said that comprehensive awareness campaign should be overcome ignorant from society.