LARKANA:The World AIDS Day is being observed on the first December 2020 to show solidarity with people Living With HIV and to renew the commitment to prevent the deadly disease.
This was stated by Dr Sharaf Ali Shah, ex-Provincial Program Manager, Sindh AIDS Control Program (SACP), in his message sent to this Scribe on Monday in connection with the World AIDS Day. Dr Shah is recognised globally as an expert on HIV-AIDS.
He said that this year’s theme is Global Solidarity and Shared Responsibility. The year 2020 could be considered the worst year for Pakistan as far as HIV/ AIDS is concerned. He said: “Major HIV outbreak among children which was reported from Ratodero town of district Larkana in 2019, continued in 2020 and new HIV/ AIDS cases continued to appear throughout the year 2020. Total number HIV / AIDS cases registered with HIV treatment centre established at Taluka Hospital, Ratodero, reached more than 1400, including over 1100 children in 2020.”
“A significant number of HIV positive children expired due to different complications during 2020 for which no clinical audit has been done so far to understand the cause of death and prevent further deaths. Due to COVID-19 pandemic focus of the Government, UN agencies, donors and media have diverted away from HIV / AIDS.”
He said HIV infected children, adults and affected families are struggling to face malnutrition, limited availability of health care services, poverty, stigma and discrimination without visible strong support from the government. Every segment of society needs to fulfill their responsibilities, including the government and the community as a whole, he concluded.