Mr. President,
On behalf of Pakistan delegation, I would like to extend my warm greetings to all on the occasion of addressing one of the most important health challenges of our time. I assure you of my delegation’s constructive engagement in the process.
The High Level Meeting provides us the opportunity to renew our unswerving resolve to combat HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030 in line with Sustainable Development Goal number 3, 'Health and well-being for all’.
In order to achieve tangible outcomes, it is crucial that the international community take stock of progress made on the commitment to ending HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030, assess the set-backs faced due to COVID-19 pandemic in this struggle, learn from each other's experiences regarding adaptation of strategies and best practices in light of the pandemic and reiterate our political commitment to the eradication of HIV/AIDS from the world.
Mr. President,
Goal number 3 of the SDGs, "Health and well-being for all" and its sub goals 3.3, relating to fighting communicable diseases, and 3.8, relating to achieving universal health coverage, respectively remain a high priority in our national agenda.
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Pakistan continues to make vigorous efforts to combat HIV/AIDS and has made significant progress in this regard. However, the COVID-19 pandemic posed a significant challenge to these efforts. Being cognizant of the fact that any delay in the provision of testing and treatment services would leave many vulnerable populations at a greater risk, the Government of Pakistan undertook rapid steps to modify our strategy, including staffing & smart outreach, provision of PPE for all field staff and multi month dispensing of ARV treatments. Resultantly, we were able to ensure uninterrupted supply of services during these unprecedented times, and we aim to continue to adhere to these revised protocols in close coordination with all partners, communities and relevant stakeholders.
In line with the SDG 3, Pakistan has also initiated program of Universal Health coverage for the entire population, which includes HIV/AIDS as part of the Community and Primary Health Care level interventions. Interventions covered under this package comprises of HIV/AIDS testing, counselling & referral for anti-retroviral treatment, provision of prophylactics & syringes to high-risk groups as well as health education. We believe Universal Health Coverage is crucial for ensuring right to health for everyone without any discrimination.
Mr. President,
The detrimental impact of Covid-19 pandemic on economies, societies and entire population of the world has reminded the international community to rise above narrow expediencies to prevent and combat HIV/AIDS epidemic in all parts of the world without any discrimination and bias. HIV/AIDS is a cross-cutting developmental challenge. Millions of people of the world cannot continue to be denied their right to development.
Pakistan welcomes the renewed emphasis to combat HIV/AIDS in the 2021 Political Declaration. There is an imperative need to accelerate efforts to end HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030, through HIV/AIDS prevention, care, support and treatment, provision of sexual and reproductive health services, community engagement, awareness raising and addressing stigma and discrimination.
Mr. President,
The international community needs a global compact on health, where no one is denied their right to health and everyone has Universal Health Coverage. Ending HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030 should be one of the priority areas of this global compact which would translate our commitments into tangible actions and outcomes.
I thank you!
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Says a statement received here today from New York.
