By Muhammad Fareed
UNAIDS – Joint UN Programme on HIV and AIDS and National AIDS Control Program (NACP) regards partnerships with corporate entities as key partners and adopts a range of additional strategies for engaging with employers’ organizations, business coalitions, public and private sector enterprises, foundations, etc. in order to enhance private sector engagement in the HIV and AIDS response and facilitate public private partnerships.
The report highlights the exclusive meeting held at Commissioner Karachi office on 9th January 2014 to initiate active engagement of corporate sector into HIV and AIDS related prevention and awareness raising.
The Commissioner Karachi, Shoaib Ahmed Siddique welcomed an initiative of involving of corporate and private sector in response towards wards HIV and AIDS in Sindh.
Syed Muhammad Javed, National Programme Manager, National AIDS Control Program (NACP) and UNAIDS Country Coordinator appraised the participants pertaining to objectives of involvement of corporate and private sector.
NACP Manager briefed the audience on modes of HIV and AIDS transmission and epidemic situation at national and provincial level. It was emphasized that stigma and discrimination can be reduced through high level involvement of key sectors at private and corporate level.
Marc Saba, UNAIDS Country Coordinator presented the global scenario of HIV and AIDS with around 35 million people currently living with HIV and around 25 million globally died of AIDS and 75 million affected by AIDS since the start of the HIV epidemic. Sindh has a concentrated HIV epidemic among people who inject drugs and transgender people. The HIV epidemic is primarily concentrated among key population in the major urban cities across provinces. Karachi is one of the cities at the forefront of the epidemic, with 42% prevalence among people who inject drugs and 10% among Hijra sex workers (HSW) in 2011. Larkana had the first documented outbreak of HIV among people who inject drugs in 2003 and among transgender involved in sex work since 2008.
Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FPCCI) stated that the said Federation is in a process of establishing 178 Primary Health Care units where they can incorporate information related to HIV and AIDS. He further committed that FPCCI will contribute to the awareness part of the response. Similarly he also proposed to develop linkages with Pakistan Red Crescent Society who are active partner of FPCCI.
Sports Community: Ex Minister Sport- Government of Sindh and Ex- President of Pakistan Hockey Team, Islahuddin Siddique extended his full support from sport community. He further assured that HIV related information will be disseminated in all level of team coaching, trainings, and through promotional media by different sportsperson. Jalal uddin, Cricketer seconded the commitment made by Islahuddine Siddique. On behalf of Jahangir Khan, World Squash Champion, he further made commitment that he will also remain dedicated toward this noble cause. Secretary Sindh Olympic Association ensured full support and cooperation in this regard.
Yousaf Yaqoob, Vice Chairperson from S.I.T.E Association of Industry requested concerned authorities related to HIV and AIDS to collaborate and identify key areas where support is required even beyond funding possibilities. He assured his support on behalf of S.I.T.E in information and awareness raising related to HIV and AIDS to its employees
Tariq Hasan, Chairman, North Karachi Association of Trade and Industry proposed that one day awareness raising sessions can be arranged for 3000 employees in phase wise approach to enhance their knowledge regarding stigma and discrimination related to HIV and AIDS. The Chairperson Federal B Area Association of Trade and Industry emphasized on involvement of youth for enhancing their leadership in this eradication of this epidemic and expressed his support at all levels.
Anis Majeed, Chairperson Karachi Wholesale Grocers Association committed to ensure full support and cooperation for prevention and control of HIV and AIDS through larger networks of grocers and wholesale dealers.
Dr. Muhammad Saleem, Strategic Information Advisor, UNAIDS informed that HIV testing should only be made mandatory for blood screening whereas HIV testing should always be voluntary with pre and post-test counseling as per the international protocols. He gave a brief account of the HIV epidemic dynamics in Sindh and particularly Karachi and stressed on awareness of general public to address stigma and discrimination.
Ms. Fahmida, Country Community Mobilization and Networking Advisor, UNAIDS reiterated and emphasized that while awareness raising, elements of human rights and gender equality should not be neglected as there are inter-linkages between different form of violence and HIV transmission due to increased vulnerabilities. She further said that regular follow ups need to be made
KEY DECISIONS & FOLLOW UPS:
- Sindh AIDS Control Programme will closely coordinate with all the aforementioned key stakeholders for further follow up of AIDs related activities to be supported by the business and sports community.
- Commissioner Office Karachi will provide support and ensures smooth implementation of key initiatives to be taken by the business community and private sector.
- UNAIDS will provide technical assistance for development of key messages and capacity building as required and requested.
- NACP will facilitate linkages and coordination at national and provincial level.
- Plan of Action need to be devised for active engagement of corporate and private sector in the HIV response at the