Govt expanding response to HIV/AIDS: Nasir
By Bushra Rafique

ISLAMABAD—Minister for Health Muhammad Nasir Khan on Friday said the government was expanding its response to HIV/AIDS by translating the strategic plan into action through various on-going national programmes.
Addressing a seminar on HIV/AIDS here on the occasion of World AIDS Day, the minister said several measures had been adopted to create awarenessamong masses besides involving all segment of society in fight against HIV/AIDS. He said the programme is undertaking the implementation of a specific behaviour change communication strategy aimed at creating an enabling environment for people living with HIV/AIDS as well as providing adequate and upto date information to high-risk groups and general population.
He said the major bulk of interventions have been designed for delivery a defined package of services to the vulnerable groups which include injecting drug users, returned migrant workers, MSMs and FSWs. Nasir Khan said the service delivery packages included primary healthcare services, access to adequate information and education, prevention and treatment, skill development and provision of voluntary counseling and testing facilities.
He said the ministry through its National Aids Control Programme has developed several strategies for better and standard management of HIV and AIDS patients and preparation of treatment guidelines. He said prevention of mother to child transmission guidelines and pediatric guidelines are the other steps of the ministry under its national programme. The minister said preventive guidelines are very important to prevent the country’s youth from HIV/AIDS. “ We are fully alive to handle the situation and conscious of our responsibility in this regard.”
He said all stakeholders should come forward and play their due role in fight against HIV/AIDS. In this regard, the minister said the role of politicians is also important, adding, the ministry is also approaching politicians to get their support in its fights against HIV/AIDS. “We all have to work together in creating awareness about HIV/AIDS and helping the people living with HIV/AIDS.”
He said the ministry of Health will fully support the association of people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) and said that this will help significantly in the national response to HIV/AIDS. Country Director UNAIDS Dr. Aldo Landi said that efforts are being made to create awareness in general public regarding HIV/AIDS. He said only UNAIDS and other stakeholders can’t do anything, adding, positive attitude and capacity building of people living with HIV/AIDS is also must.
Special Representative UNAIDS, Salman Ahmad said “Everybody has a role to play and as an artist and UNAIDS Special Representative I will try to shine light on the heroic lives of people living with HIV/AIDS.” He said with the help of media he was trying to humanize the face of AIDS. He said it is only knowledge and compassion which can fight the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS.