LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Primary and Secondary Healthcare Khwaja Imran Nazir says the government may introduce legislation for prevention and control of HIV/AIDS in the province, says a handout.

Speaking at a consultative session to review the draft bill for HIV/AIDS here on Wednesday, he said: “The new draft is being reviewed by a team of experts so that every possible effort is made for the prevention and control of the disease in the province and all ancillary areas are addressed.”

The session was attended by officials of the UNAIDS, UNFPA, Unicef, WHO, Punjab AIDS Control Programme (PACP) and directors [of AIDS control programme] from other provinces as well as officials of law and health departments.

“Though efforts for awareness have been made, necessary legislation for prevention and control of HIV/AIDS is now needed. There are many areas from infection control to stigma and discrimination for patients that need to be addressed from a legal perspective. We are keen on exploring the measures that can be taken to ensure a parliamentary oversight for prevention and control of HIV/AIDS,” Khwaja Imran Nazir said.

PACP Director Dr. Adnan Zafar Khan said: “The programme has conducted free screening, treatment and vaccination of over 17,000 truck/bus drivers and screened about 95 per cent of jails in all districts. We are reaching out to transgenders and have set up a centre at Fountain House.”

UNAIDS Country Director Mr. Mamadou al Sakhu appreciated the Punjab government for the commitment to the cause of HIV/AIDS and said his organisation would support the government in effective implementation of HIV legislation once passed.

Published in Dawn, July 20th, 2017