LAHORE - Punjab is adopting measures to control the spread of HIV/AIDS, said Minister for Primary and Secondary Healthcare Kh Imran Nazir on Tuesday.

Punjab faces a concentrated epidemic prevalent among the high risk and vulnerable groups as world commemorates World AIDS Day on December 1.

Kh Imran Nazir said, “The PACP has been laying special emphasis on people indulging in high risk behaviour. The Program has set up camps in 20 cities and has tested over 22,000 bus and truck drivers for Hep B, Hep C, Syphilis and HIV/AIDS and is providing free vaccination for Hep B and free treatment for Hep C.” “The highest prevalence of HIV/AIDS is found to be among injecting drug users. Further, the PACP has completed screening of Jail inmates in Punjab in the first round and now it has started the second round. The Punjab Govt has also introduced legislation for introduction of auto disabled syringes. These syringes will be used only once. ”  Secretary P&SH Ali Jan Khan said stringent measures were being taken for control of HIV/AIDS in the province.

“We are developing synergies and partnerships with other programs for shared objectives. The PACP in collaboration with Fountain House has opened Punjab’s first ever exclusive Transgender Clinic that will exclusively cater to the Transgender Community given discrimination they face elsewhere.” He said a new Center has been opened in Chiniot and another one is being set up in Jalapur Jattan. In Punjab currently 15 Treatment Centers and 11 Voluntary Counseling Confidential Testing Centers are working.

The World AIDS Day, designated on 1st December every year since 1988, is dedicated to raising awareness of the HIV/AIDS.  The World AIDS Day is one of the eight official global public health campaigns. It is estimated over 36 million people globally are living with HIV/AIDS.