UNAIDS has pledged its support to the Punjab government for its efforts aimed at prevention of HIV/AIDS. The pledge was given by Dr Mamadou L Sakho, UNAIDS Country Director for Pakistan and Afghanistan in a meeting arranged by the Punjab AIDS Control Program with different stakeholders working in the field of HIV, here on Wednesday.
The meeting was chaired by Dr Adnan Zafar Khan, Additional Secretary (Admin) Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department while the participants included Asghar Satti, National Coordinator of Association of People Living with HIV, Dr Amir Chaudhry participating on behalf of the Local Fund Agent, representatives of the National AIDS Control Program and Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
Project Director Punjab AIDS Control Programme (PACP) Dr Adnan Zafar gave an overview of the program and highlighted that complete restructuring and redesigning has been done under the current PC1 2016-2019. The strategic direction of the program has been redefined and it is now directed towards a comprehensive and integrated response to prevent transmission of the infection.
"The full implementation of PC1 will not only improve prevention, care, and treatment services in the short-term but also strengthen the long-term capacity of local communities and health systems to meet the future anticipated needs of the HIV positive population of the province," he added.
Dr Mamadou L. Sakhu appreciated the work of the project director and expressed full confidence in his leadership under the primary and secondary healthcare department. Asghar Satti representing civil society and the HIV positive community acknowledged the work done by the AIDS program and appreciated the enhanced service delivery to the different high risk groups.
He supported the positive engagement of the Program with people living with HIV/AIDS and the most-at-risk population. He reiterated support of the civil society to the program while reposing full confidence in the renewed direction of the Program. The meeting ended with a vote of thanks by Dr Adnan Zafar and commitment by all participants to work with the P&S Healthcare department towards greater responsiveness for enhanced service delivery to the most at risk population in the province.