Integrated programme: Govt to tackle HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, Thalassemia

PC-1 approved, Rs500 million doled out for the first-of-its-kind initiative

PESHAWAR:

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to initiate an integrated programme for treating HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis and Thalassemia patients. PC-1 of the programme has been approved and Rs500 million has already been cast aside.

The first-of-its-kind programme will address the aforementioned diseases under one umbrella. It will not only focus on treatment of patients but will also include awareness drives about the diseases.



The centre to treat AIDS patients was shut down by the government earlier. A new AIDS Control Cell is now being set up, which will run under the supervision of the health department. This was finalised at a meeting chaired by Dr Noor Wazir at Hayatabad Medical Complex (HMC) on Tuesday.

The attendees said people needed to be cautioned about what factors account for the spread of these diseases. “We have been focusing on treatment alone. We need to emphasise awareness as well,” said HIV control programme project director Dr Ataullah.

Dr Ataullah said a screening and diagnosis system will be introduced on a district level where HIV tests will be conducted. Those found positive will be treated at facilities on divisional level. These health care centres will be established in the provincial capital, DI Khan, Kohat and Bannu, he added. Dr Ataullah said patients will not only be treated but will also be educated about preventative care.



Participants in the meeting stressed on spreading awareness about the diseases. They said people who work abroad need to get tested upon their return as the ratio of HIV positive patients is increasing among them, especially those returning from the Gulf countries.

Most people who return home for vacations do not get tested due to cultural norms. This leads to the spread of the disease among their family members, they said. The management plans to set up a screening facility at Bacha Khan International Airport where these people will undergo tests. This, according to the attendees, will be carried out after consultation with the Civil Aviation Authority.

The participants said most of the patients are infected due to blood transfusion. That is why treatment for Thalasseamia is also included in the programme.

According to the centre at HMC, around 2,000 patients have been registered for testing positive for HIV. Dost Foundation representative Tariq said a total of 60 cases have been registered in the first seven months in 2015; majority of the patients were infected from injections and drugs.

Maryam Bibi of Khwendo Kor said people infected by HIV in Bannu and DI Khan are reluctant to undergo medical tests as it is a taboo, especially if they test positive.

“They think it will shame the family if they test positive for the disease. So they refuse to get tested, thereby increasing the number of HIV patients,” she said, adding a total of 51 cases have been registered in Bannu and DI Khan in 2015 so far.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 29^th, 2015.