The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, in collaboration with the Common Management Unit (CMU) for AIDS, TB, and Malaria, the UN family, the Association of People Living with HIV (APLHIV), and other community partners, marked World AIDS Day 2023 with a resolute commitment to the global theme, "Let Communities Lead." Dr. Nadeem Jan, Federal Minister for Ministry of National Health Services Regulations & Coordination said that the Government of Pakistan is firmly committed to eradicating the AIDS epidemic by 2030, aligning with the global 95-95-95 HIV milestones. It is crucial to address healthcare and societal imbalances to ensure that no one is marginalized or left behind. On the occasion of world AIDS day Mr. Iftikhar Ali Shallwani Federal Secretary, Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination said that “The world can end AIDS, with communities leading the way. Communities living with, at risk of, or affected by HIV have a greater role to play and need to join the frontline forces to halt the upward trend of the HIV epidemic. We all need to join hands and connect for providing person-centered public health services, build trust, innovate, monitor implementation of policies and services, and hold providers accountable. Speaking to the event Dr. Razia Kaniz Fatima National Coordination for Coordination Management Unit, AIDS, TB and Malaria, emphasizes the need to empower and trust communities to take the lead in designing, implementing, and evaluating programs that address the unique needs of their members. Mr. Julien Harneis Resident Coordinator of United Nations in Pakistan said despite investment and efforts of the government and partners, HIV infections are still rising in Pakistan.. To stop the disease, we must get better at listening to marginalized people and giving them the support, he added. Ms. Yuki Takemoto Country Director UNAIDS Pakistan said World AIDS Day 2023 highlights the full potential of community leadership to help end AIDS as a public health threat in Pakistan. It is worth to mention that at the end a panel discussion between UN partners, Government and Donors also took place at the event. A panel discussion between UN partners, Government and Donors took place at the event. The panel included Dr. Razia Kaniz Fatima from the Government, Ms. Kate Somvongsiri Mission Director USAID, Dr. Samuel Rizk Resident Representative of UNDP in Pakistan, Dr. Luay Shabaneh Representative UNFPA Pakistan, Dr Youssef Filali-Meknassi Director / Representative to Pakistan, Mr. Asghar Satti National Coordinator APLHIIV, Dr. Syed Kaleem Imam, a law enforcement specialist graced the panel. The panel talk was facilitated by Ms. Yuki Takemoto Country Director UNAIDS Pakistan. In the end the participants went through the Community Informational Booths set up by the communities and partners. The booths were comprised of educational and community outreach materials. This exhibition provided an opportunity for key community members to
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