Gender & Reproductive Health Forum (GRHF) arranged a seminar on “Piloting of Peer Progression Model” supported by United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) at a local hotel in Karachi.
Dr. Nafis Sadik, Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General & Special Envoy for HIV & AIDS in Asia speaking as Chief Guest on the occasion appreciated the efforts of Gender & Reproductive Health Forum and stressed on the need to involve law enforcement agencies in the program.
He further said that every department or individuals is responsible to deal with the stigma and discrimination attached to HIV & AIDS. Stigma effect the work of outreach workers therefore health workers support is very important. She emphasized on the implementation of law prepared for the transgenders.
Mr. Oussama Tawil, UNAIDS Country Coordinator, UNAIDS-Pakistan said that participation, involvement and contribution of the vulnerable community in the program is very important.
Peer Education and Outreach Service are the two essential points to the run the programs. Peer Education is not an activity; it is the essential to the program as essential as the project director and financial issues.
Health services like HIV, STI and reproductive health need is dependent upon the outreach work and peer education. There is need to address the issues of community like social and economical issues, margenalised issues and these can be address through these programs.
Dr. Hasan Abbas Zaheer, National Program Manager, National AIDS Control Program appreciated the efforts of GRHF and assured his full support in the program.
Dr. Nafisa Sohail, National Program Manager, Sindh AIDS Control Program said that there need to create more awareness regarding HIV/AIDS.
Earlier, Mirza Alim Baig, President, Gender & Reproductive Health Forum gave a brief overview about the projects.