I am pleased to know that Health Department, Government of Sindh is observing the World AIDS Day on December 01, 2016 with the aim to restore dignity, humanity, and compassion for all those people fighting this deadly disease along with eliminating stigma.
This type of campaign strategy always plays an important role in sensitising the general population about the importance of an issue and their role in global efforts to achieve greater impact. Healthier fulfilling lives contribute positively to the economic development of a country. The fight against HIV/AIDS requires utmost commitment and determination from both public and private sectors. It is a point of great satisfaction that the Health Department has been playing a pivotal role in the national response to HIV, along with development partners. The department has focused on strengthening the health system in optimizing the outcome of HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care.
At the same time, a lot needs to be done to ensure integrated and synergistic activities with health services particularly around sexual and reproductive health and maternal and child health. Sustainable Development Goals and UNAIDS Fast-Track City targets are opportunities to set a course for the next era of human development, that is trans-formational for both people and planet.