KHAR, May 27: Health experts on Monday urged the government to establish hepatitis surveillance system and provision of drugs for hepatitis B and C patients in the agency.

They also asked religious leaders and tribal elders to extend support in raising awareness about HIV/Aids.

They were speaking at a training workshop held here to educate the tribesmen, religious and political leaders about the importance of awareness against the deadly disease.

Initiative for Humanity and Social Awareness and Support, an NGO, and National Aids Control Programme arranged the workshop.

Speakers highlighted the root causes of the Aids and how people could be protected against the disease.

Officials of National Aids Control Programme said huge funds had been allocated to provide comprehensive health coverage to the people of tribal areas.

They said that HIV/Aids was spreading in tribal area due to lack of awareness against the disease. They said the government couldn’t alone achieve the desired results and needed support of ulema and tribal leaders.

“Religious leaders and tribal leaders are the most effective figures of the community who can help control the spread of the disease by highlighting the significance of safe sex,” they said The health experts said ulema and elders should encourage people to not hide the disease. The religious leaders and tribal leaders assured the officials of full support in this connection.