Revamp: ‘AIDS programme undergoing overhaul’

Project director says it is headed towards prevention of the virus

LAHORE: Punjab AIDS Control Programme Project Director Dr Adnan Zafar highlighted that an overhaul of the project has been conducted under the current PC-I.

He said the strategic direction of the programme has been redefined and it is now headed towards a comprehensive and integrated response to prevent the transmission of the virus.  He expressed these views during a meeting of different stakeholders at the Committee Room of the Primary and Secondary Health Department here on Wednesday.

“The full implementation of the PC-I will not only improve prevention, care and treatment services in the short term, but also increase the long-term capacity of local communities and health systems,” he added.

UNAIDS Pakistan and Afghanistan Country Director Dr Mamadou L Sakhu appreciated the work of the project director and expressed full confidence in his leadership. He emphasised that the establishment of alliances and partnerships of health systems will strengthen the government’s efforts to achieve objectives of the strategy.

Asghar Satti, a social activist, said those who were HIV-positive acknowledged the work done by the programme. He appreciated the enhanced service delivery to different high-risk groups.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 9^th, 2017.