Experts at a Media Workshop organized by Sindh AIDS Control Program held recently at their office in Karachi revealed that according to an estimate there are more than 80,000 cases of HIV/AIDS in Pakistan. Substantial majority of these cases are in Sindh that is around 35,000 to 45,000 while number of reported case in Sindh till September 2008 is 2353.
Government of Sindh is fully committed to the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS in the province which is visible from the political commitment at the highest level and launching of Enhanced HIV/AIDS Control Program in October 2003.
The Objectives of the Media Workshop was: dissemination of survey reports conducted among the high risk groups; Role of Media in prevention of HIV/AIDS and sensitize the media about HIV/AIDS.
Dr. Nasir Jalbani, Provincial Program Manager, Sindh AIDS Control Programme said that efforts were being made to control the alarming situation and also to extend care and support to the Injection Drugs Users(IDUs) along with their families.
According to SACP estimates, there are as many as 2,354 cases that have been reported, including 2,186 of HIV and 167 of AIDS. There are an estimated 100,000 people infected with HIV/AIDS in our country and most of the infections occurred in urban areas. In Sindh there are about 35,000 to 40,000 cases, 80 per cent of them are believed to be living in Karachi.
He said that Sindh Government along with World Bank and donor agencies would start AIDS Control Program by next month which would provide effective service to the people most at risk by creating awareness, counseling and screening.
The report of a survey conducted in Karachi, Hyderabad and Larkana revealed that there are about 2,400 sample of high-risk groups which include MSWs, FSWs, IDUs and eunuchs.
Dr. Arshad Altaf through his presentation disclosed that in Karachi there are 36.8 per cent, Larkana 37.4 per cent, Hyderabad 25 per cent of IDUs considered at high risk of HIV infection.
Harm Reduction Programs should be established in Karachi, Hyderabad and Larkana to control the rapidly emerging HIV epidemic situation.