Marri calls for concerted efforts against AIDS

Health minister says govt will approve fund for prevention of the virus

QUETTA: Provincial Health Minister Naseebullah Marri has called upon the media and religious scholars to play their role in the prevention of HIV/ AIDS in Balochistan.

“Over 5,000 people are affected by HIV/AIDS in Balochistan. While only 1,334 patients are registered with the AIDS Control Programme,” Marri said while addressing a ceremony held to mark the World AIDS Day at the Boy Scouts Headquarters in Quetta on Saturday.

The minister stressed that complete dependency on international funds could not ensure the prevention of the virus in the province. The government would approve a permanent fund for the prevention of HIV/ AIDS in Balochistan, he added.



He lamented that people from every age group in Balochistan were affected by the virus. Marri appealed to both governmental and non-government hospitals to ensure the diagnosis of outpatients before beginning treatment for the virus.

“A healthy environment must be provided to the patients,” he said, adding that the blood banks should ensure that the donors were not suffering from AIDS. He stressed the need for a blood test of donors prior to donating blood.

The minister shared recent data released by the health department, according to which there are 1,033 registered AIDS patients in Quetta and 301 in Nushki. People in others districts of Balochistan, including Zhob, Sherani, and Loralai, were also affected, he added.

“A total of 4,404 prisoners were tested in various jails in Gadani, Quetta, Turbat and other areas of the province and 71 of them are suffering from HIV/AIDS,” he said.

Provincial Manager of AIDS Control Programme Dr Afzal Khan Zarkoon said the day was being observed to spread awareness about the infectious disease.

Representatives from the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (Unicef), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and several other organisations were present on the occasion.