Punjab introduces new medicine for AIDS
The Punjab AIDS Control Programme (PACP) formally introduced a new medicine for prevention of HIV on Friday.
The new medicine is introduced as part of Pre Exposure Prophylaxis Programme (PrEP) and will help stop the transmission of AIDS virus from one person to another.
The PrEP was launched in a formal ceremony organised by the Punjab AIDS Control Programme at a local hotel. Additional Secretary Vertical Programmes Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department Asim Raza was Chief Guest of the ceremony.
Keynote speakers included PACP Programme Director Dr Awais Gohar, representative of World Health Organization Dr Irfan, Representative UNDP Heather Doyle and Representative of UNAIDS Dr Rajwal.
Programme Director Dr Awais Gohar said the launch of the PrEP was an important milestone for Punjab. He said, "PrEP will be extremely useful in healthcare settings. Healthcare staff engaged in complex surgeries of HIV/AIDS patients shall greatly benefit from this initiative. The medicine will be available free of charge at all centres of the Punjab AIDS Control Programme."
Dr Awais further said that Post Exposure Prophylaxis medicines were already available to healthcare workers in case of accidental pricks.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 15th, 2022.