Tue, 21-Oct-2025

CM Maryam seeks operational plan to control spread of HIV/AIDS in Taunsa   

CM Maryam

LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz has sought an operational plan to control HIV/AIDS in Tehsil Taunsa Sharif. According to the hospital administration, another child has confirmed the HIV virus in Tunsa, after which the number of affected children has increased to 107 while the hospital is being screened daily by children, including. Chief Minister … Read more

Pakistan faces unprecedented health crises: PMA  

PMA  

KARACHI: Pakistan faces an unprecedented health crisis, compounded by its status as the fifth most populous country globally.

The World Health Organization’s recent ranking places Pakistan at 124th out of 169 countries, sounding a clarion call for an immediate revision of the nation’s health system.

The “Health of the Nation” report for 2024, presented by the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA), outlines a grim state of healthcare in the country, necessitating urgent and comprehensive reforms. Government has approved multiple drug price hikes, affecting over 80,000 drugs and burdening the populace.

These statistics shared by Secretary General PMA Centre, Dr Abdul Ghafoor Shoro during a press conference held at PMA House. Dr Muhammad Shahid Shamim, Dr Vasdev and  Dr Shahid Sami were also present on this occasion.

The report urges government intervention to address this crisis, emphasizing the severe impact on public health. Pakistan faces a significant burden of hepatitis B and C, with 15 million affected individuals. Lack of prevention, testing, and treatment resources, along with the presence of quacks, contribute to the rising number of cases.

The report advocates for better control measures, including vaccinations, to curb the spread of these deadly viral diseases.

Unsafe drinking water is a major health concern, causing a high number of deaths. Contaminated water contributes to 40% of deaths nationwide, leading to waterborne diseases, with diarrhea being a leading cause of infant mortality.

The report emphasizes the need for addressing water quality issues to improve public health. Pakistan experiences a rapid rise in HIV infections, with 63,202 registered cases. Limited testing capacity, unsafe practices like syringe reuse, and poor awareness contribute to the spread of HIV.

The report calls for increased testing, awareness, and access to lifesaving treatment to combat the HIV/AIDS crisis. Cancer is a growing concern in Pakistan, particularly among women, with breast cancer being the most common.

The report emphasizes the need for awareness and preventive measures. Coronary heart diseases remain a significant health challenge, with high mortality rates.

Pakistan ranks third globally in the prevalence of diabetes, with a staggering 30.8%. The report stresses the severity of the diabetes situation, calling for concerted efforts to address this health crisis

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UNDP continues its efforts to break HIV/AIDS Stigma

UNDP
  • Media professionals participated in training workshop.
  • Experts spoke about scope, spread, and success about HIV.
  • Experts stressed how media can actively address stigma in society.

KARACHI: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) organized a two-day interactive workshop and consultation session to sensitize media professionals about HIV/AIDS.

Following successful workshops in Islamabad, Peshawar, and Lahore, the latest two-day sensitization workshop in Karachi sought to connect with and empower the media professionals, predominantly covering health issues, with the tools to tackle misconceptions, report ethically, and create a more empathetic narrative about HIV/AIDS-affected communities in Pakistan.

Media professionals from various print, electronic, and digital outlets actively participated in the training workshop, vigorously interacting with the trainers and speakers on issues about HIV/AIDS.

Speaking at the inauguration of the activity, Dr. Sikandar Memon, Manager CDC HIV, Communicable Disease Control Center, spoke about the scope, spread, and success of the AIDS Control Program in Sindh. He stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to combat HIV/AIDS and strongly underlined the importance of collaborative efforts to combat HIV/AIDS.

Waheed Ahmed Khalfe, a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in national media, shared his insights on the issue of HIV in Pakistan. He highlighted the historical context and challenges associated with HIV in the country and stressed how the media can actively address the stigma in society.

He said that by presenting accurate and compassionate stories, journalists can contribute significantly to changing public perceptions and reducing discrimination against HIV/AIDS-affected communities in Pakistan.

Ms. Sheher Bano, a distinguished journalist and senior trainer, led a profound session on building empathy towards HIV/AIDS-affected communities.

She highlighted, “Empathy is the key to dismantling stereotypes. We must understand that individuals living with HIV/AIDS are living, breathing human beings, and our support could help them live normal, healthy, and productive lives.”

Ghulam Mustafa Buledi, senior journalist and an expert in media-related ethical reporting and behavior change communication issues, took the lead on the second day. He emphasized the importance of maintaining ethical standards while reporting sensitive health issues like HIV/AIDS.

Summayyah Rasheed provided an overview of the project’s objectives and activities. “Our goal is to reshape the narrative around HIV/AIDS, and this workshop is a significant part of that effort,” she explained.

Dr. Umar Riaz, Program Specialist, said that media professionals play a pivotal role in dispelling myths, reducing stigma, and fostering a more inclusive society for individuals with HIV/AIDS. He said that collaboration with the media is critical in shaping the lives of the HIV/AIDS-affected communities toward a brighter, stigma-free future in Pakistan.

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UNDP-UNAIDS organises consultative session on HIV/AIDS

UNDP-UNAIDS organises consultative session on HIV/AIDS
  • The session aimed to address critical issue of HIV stigma.
  • Approximately 85 officials participated in the session.
  • Tarik Malik highlighted crucial role of raising awareness among LEA.

KARACHI:  In a collaborative effort, United Nations Development Programme(UNDP)- United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS(UNAIDS) organized a consultative session at the CPO in Karachi.

The session aimed to address the critical issue of HIV stigma and discrimination, with the valuable support of law enforcement agencies.

Attended by approximately 85 officials, including representatives from the Motorway Police, Railways Police, NAB, IB, Sindh Police, CDS HIV, UNDP, UNAIDS, and various healthcare professionals, the event proved to be an important platform for discussions on strategies and the way forward.

Under the skillful moderation of Ms. Fahimda from UNAIDS, the session generated fruitful discussions centered around combating stigma and creating a secure, supportive environment for individuals affected by HIV. Ms. Fahimda underscored the significance of understanding the spread of HIV and implementing effective measures to curb it.

Furthermore, Mr. Rajwal, also from UNAIDS, emphasized the pillars of “awareness, effective communication, and inclusivity” as crucial elements in countering stigma.

Earlier, the session was inaugurated by IG Sindh Ghulam Nabi Memon, who stress the urgent need for comprehensive guidelines to enhance the sensitivity and responsiveness of law enforcement agencies towards HIV-related stigma. He expressed his commitment to including awareness programs in policing and training institutes, recognizing the importance of law enforcement personnel’s role in tackling the issue.

Dr. Syed Kaleem Imam, a law enforcement specialist, advocated for a thoughtful and innovative approach towards HIV victims, stressing the necessity of a comprehensive curriculum, a cohesive national plan, and a uniform mechanism to alleviate stigma and discrimination.

Zubair Habib, Chief of CPLC, emphasized the importance of building an inclusive society that treats individuals living with HIV with dignity and respect.

Dr. Junaid and Tarik Malik highlighted the crucial role of raising awareness among law enforcement personnel and the public regarding HIV. They recognized the potential of the police in curbing the HIV epidemic and stressed the need for their active engagement.

Ms. Yuki Takemoto, Country Director of UNAIDS, proposed a holistic and multisectoral approach to address the issue. She emphasized the importance of understanding the spread of HIV and the necessary steps to combat it.

The closing session featured Ghazi Sala-Uddin, renowned journalist as the chief guest, who emphasized the pivotal role of first responders in battling stigma and discrimination. He underscored that informed and compassionate actions by law enforcement can significantly contribute to reducing HIV-related stigma.

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‘Auto-disable syringes need of the hour’

syringes

KARACHI: As per the directives of the ministry of health, the healthcare providers will be using auto-disable (AD) disposable syringes instead of the ordinary ones with an aim to make injection practices safer for patients and healthcare workers (HCWs), besides adopting preventive measures with regard to the injection-related transmission of viruses, particularly HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B … Read more

Govt introduced auto-disable syringes on this World AIDS Day

Govt’s big decision on this World AIDS Day

On this world Aids day Special Assistant on National Health Services Dr Zafar Mirza has announced that auto-disable syringes will be used in all private hospitals across the country by the middle of next year. He said that government has decided to introduce auto-disable syringes to prevent further complications for citizens as re-use of an … Read more

We have to wage war against HIV: Bilawal Bhutto Zardari

Chairman Pakistan People’s Party

Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that HIV is a serious problem all over the world, including Pakistan and will have to constantly fight to overcome HIV. While talking to media after inaugurating HIV Treatment Support Centre in Rato Dero, Larkana, he said that Sindh government met with UNICEF and other … Read more

Number of HIV victims exceeds 4000 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

HIV

More than 4000 cases of HIV patients have been registered in Kyber Pakhtun Khuwa. The number of unregistered victims are countless, HIV virus is being transferred to children from their parents due to lack of proper treatment. The virus is being transferred due to more intake of drugs injection in men and due to the … Read more