HIV/AIDS & PAKISTAN
The HIV epidemic is fast outpacing global health and social problems and is now one of the greatest development and security issue facing the world today. The first case of HIV in Pakistan was diagnosed in 1987. There are 100,000 estimated and near about 7574 reported HIV positive cases till June 2010 in Pakistan. With out break of HIV epidemic among IVDu, Pakistan has progressed from a low prevalence epidemic to a “concentrated” phase. The number of reported HIV/AIDS cases in Sindh till March 2011 are 3927 which is near about 50% of the total cases. Surveys and research suggests that substantial majority is in Sindh, approximately between 45,000 to 55,000 of estimated cases. In Sindh 81% are reported from Karachi. Commitment of Government of Pakistan
The federal government has earmarked resources in its current five-year development plan to deal with the threat of HIV/AIDS. The national and provincial AIDS Control Programs, through a participatory process, have prepared a strategic framework to effectively deal with HIV/AIDS epidemic. This strategic framework now forms the basis of this Enhanced National HIV/AIDS Control Program. Government of Sindh is fully committed to implement the proposed program through a multi-sectoral approach in achieving following Sectoral objectives
A Healthy Nation: The Vision 2030 document seeks to control communicable diseases including HIV/AIDS in a social development paradigm and thus contribute to control of poverty via control of these diseases. Mid-Term Development Framework 2005-10:
The MTDF specifically refers to HIV in the context of Pakistan’s commitment to the MDGs. In addition, it sets the following goals for HIV:
1) HIV prevalence will be 0.07 (or lower) in 2010 among pregnant women
2) HIV prevalence will be 0.02 (or lower) in 2010 among vulnerable groups
The Millennium Development Goal - 6
Pakistan is a signatory to the MDGs; Goal 6 of which states that “Pakistan will Halt and begin to reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS by the year 2015.”
Provincial Implementation Unit (PIU)
Health department, Government of Sindh established PIU of Sindh AIDS Control Program in 1994-95 with an allocation of Rs.10 million for three years from their own ADP. The Provincial Implementation Unit was established with full time Provincial Program Manager, four technical officers and 28 support staff. The primary objective of this project to seek such a halt and reversal. To contextualize the project seeks to contain the epidemic among the most at risk group where it has established and prevent it from establishing among the bridge groups and the general population
Enhanced HIV/AIDS Control Programme in Sindh
1994 – 2003 A laboratory based Program was established with Focus on
IEC
Blood safety
Referral Lab /Surveillance Centers
Training
STIs management
2003 – 2008 A multi-sectoral response was established with the financial support
from World Bank with focus on
High-risk population
Prevention through BCC
Advocacy
Blood safety
Prevention of STIs
Care & Support
Research & development
2008 to 2013. In order to address and control the HIV epidemic in Sindh, the Sindh AIDS Control Programme will contribute towards achieving the following objectives by June 2013:
o To control or reverse the spread of HIV among the most at risk groups and to keep the epidemic from establishing among the bridging groups and the general population. o To create an environment in the country where People Living with HIV can access medical and social services and enjoy life without facing stigma or discrimination. o To coordinate a multisectoral, comprehensive and sustainable response to HIV that is based on evidence, transparency and accountability and involves the various line ministries, the civil society and the main target beneficiaries (the PLHIV and the most at risk groups). Infra Structure and Services on Ground
• Provincial Implementation UNIT (PIU) at I. I Depot, Rafique Shaheed Road near JPMC under Supervision of Provincial Program Manager with supporting staff.
• Referral Lab
Established for laboratory diagnosis and confirmation of HIV/AIDS Cases & Sexually Transmitted Infections.
• Safe Blood Transfusion Centers
24 SBTs Centers have been Established for screening of blood.
• Voluntary Counseling & Testing centers
21 VCT Centers have been Established for screening of HIV/AIDS cases
• Trainings/workshops
Training Programs for Doctors/Paramedics/Corporate sectors & General public
• 46 STIs clinics
46 STIs Clinics have been Established at teaching and district head quarter hospitals for management of Sexually Transmitted infections.
• Training of Family Physicians
2700 Medical Officers In-charge of STIs clinics of district hospitals have been
provided training on Syndromic Management of STIS (WHO Protocol)
• 03 PPTCT Center has been established.
01 at Civil Hospital Karachi.
01 at Qatar Hospital Orangi Town in Karachi
Recently 01 PPTCT Center Established at Shaikh Zaid Hospital
Larkana in june 2011.
• 04 HIV Treatment & Care Centres have been established
• Resource Center has been established at PIU for trainees and projects staff.
• Sindh is the first province who passed Legislation for Safe Blood Transfusion passed by Sindh Assembly in September 1996
• SINDH HIV/AIDS NGOs network was established with support of SACP
( 70 member NGOs/CBOs to promote community participation.)
• Provincial Steering Committee (PSC)/ Task Force, Provincial Technical Advisory Committee on AIDS, District AIDS Task Force have been notified. HIV Treatment & Care Center
02 in Public Sectors
at Civil Hospital Karachi
at Civil Hospital Larkana
02 in Private Sectors
at Indus Hospital
at Aga Khan University
Services Provided from These Centers
• Free Anti Retroviral Therapy with medicines of Opportunistic infections.
• Primary Health Care Facilities.
• CD4 and Viral Load Facilities.
• Social and Financial Support.
• Coordinated with Pakistan Bait-ul-Maal for financial assistance to PLWHA
• Ambulance Service for PLWHA.
