Expert for pre-marriage HIV screening

A renowned expert Sunday stressed the need for public awareness and advocacy to change societal attitudes towards HIV/AIDS and emphasised the importance of heightened screening, particularly before marriages, to prevent the transmission of the disease.

Dr AD Usmani, who is the head of AIDS Control in Quetta, told a private news channel that World AIDS Day on December 1 was a day to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and honour the millions of people who have died from AIDS-related illnesses.

The theme for this year's World AIDS Day is "Take the rights path: My health, my right" emphasising the importance of protecting human rights and addressing inequalities to end the AIDS epidemic.

Dr Usmani stressed the importance of promoting open discussions and inclusivity to ensure those affected receive necessary support and care.

By promoting pre-marital screening, individuals can make informed decisions about their health, reducing the risk of HIV transmission, he said, adding that addressing the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS is also crucial, encouraging open discussions and promoting inclusivity to ensure those affected receive necessary support and care.

Usmani further stressed that open discussion is crucial to breaking the taboo surrounding HIV/AIDS.