not to be published/telecasted/broadcasted by
print/electronic media before “World AIDS Day” i.e. 1st
December, 2017.
World AIDS day, being observed today,
is an occasion for all of us to reiterate our pledge to increase awareness about
AIDS, how to prevent it and to set aside prejudices that come with this
disease. Each year, this fatal disease claims lives of a large number of people
globally. Pakistan also faces a challenge in combating this disease.
The Day calls for renewed determination
by the Government, health practitioners NGOs and the people to prevent HIV
infections and ensure access to safe, effective, and affordable quality
medicines and diagnostics and related health commodities as well as healthcare
services for all people in need.
Effectively
combating HIV & AIDS requires that everyone should have equal access to
information about preventive measures and the available treatment programs. It
calls for concerted efforts involving the parents, teachers, religious
scholars, media and indeed every segment of the society to work together and
thereby save millions from the consequences of this disease.
Unfortunately,
healthcare systems in most of the developing countries fall short of providing
even the most basic health services. As HIV is an issue of global concern it is
important that the international community specially focuses on AIDS prevention
and cure in developing countries to make the whole world HIV & AIDS free.
The theme of World AIDS Day this year is appropriately titled “Right to
Health” to ensure access to treatment for all without discrimination.
As
a result of the 18th Constitutional Amendment, health has been
devolved to provinces. I am confident that the federal and all provincial
governments are cognizant of their responsibilities and accord high priority to
health and cure of this disease. It is heartening to learn that Ministry of
National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination is making concerted
efforts to address various risk factors associated with HIV/AIDS.
One
of the factors inhibiting fight against AIDS is the stigma surrounding HIV
resulting in discrimination against the patients. On this Day, let us pledge to
work towards zero discrimination against patients suffering from HIV.
I
urge all stakeholders to work in unison in fighting this disease and help make
Pakistan HIV & AIDS free.
not to be
published/telecasted/broadcasted by print/electronic media before “World AIDS Day” i.e. 1st
December, 2017.
