WB hails implementing MDG Goals related to HIV-AIDS
By Asad Cheema

Islamabad—World Bank has appreciated the commitment and efforts of the Government of Pakistan in making efforts to implement MDG Goals related to HIV-AIDS, TB and Malaria to which Pakistan is a signatory.
These observations were made in a meeting chaired by Federal Health Minister, Mr. Ijaz Rahim on further improvements in the Blood Transfusion Safety and HIV-AIDS programme.
It was attended by the representatives of the World Bank, CIDA, UNAIDS and other Members of the World Bank Mission apart from National Programme Manager Dr. Asma Bokhari. The meeting discussed the pace of implementation of the ongoing projects in this sector, and appreciated the results obtained by the Province of Punjab. It was pointed out that these projects provide a package of much needed medical and social services to the affected families as well measures to prevent the growth of the diseases associated with HIV-AIDS.
Minister of Health appreciated the partnership of development agencies and donor countries especially the CIDA-Supported Behavioral Surveillance System which was considered very useful. It was decided to
expand the coverage as well as improve the quality of services covered by the National Programme. A time line was developed by the meeting to ensure completion of technical scrutiny by 15 January, 2008 and foundation of enhanced project document by March 2008.
The World Bank team appreciated the commitment and efforts of the Government of Pakistan in making efforts to implement MDG Goals related to HIV-AIDS, TB and Malaria to which Pakistan is a signatory.