It is the first programme of its kind in Pakistan, providing a range of holistic services. PHOTO: UNAIDS/FILE
Dutch Ambassador Marcel de Vink, who inaugurated the unit, said that the Netherlands will enhance its support and cooperation to help save the lives of HIV patients, said a press release issued here.
The unit has been established by the Nai Zindagi Trust in collaboration with the Mainline Foundation and the Dutch Ministry Of Foreign Affairs.
The AAU is a two-month programme for 100 residents established in Islamabad. It is the first programme of its kind in Pakistan, providing a range of holistic services including psychosocial counselling, medical and health related services to people who use drugs, are HIV-positive and need AIDS medication and antiretroviral therapy.
The outcome of the AAU will closely be monitored to further improve its effectiveness and eventually expand these units across Pakistan. The unit will also become a learning hub to develop local expertise to address the complexities of AIDS in the context of drug use and poverty.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 18th, 2014.
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