ISLAMABAD: The Centre for International Peace and Stability (CIPS) at the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) signed a cooperation agreement with UNAIDS Pakistan on Friday to work to mitigate the impact of HIV/Aids among United Nations peacekeepers.

CIPS Principal retired Maj Gen Mazhar Saleem Khan and UNAIDS Country Director Dr Mamadou L. Sakho signed the memorandum of understanding on behalf of their respective organisations.

Under the agreement, UNAIDS and CIPS have agreed to work to address the impact of HIV/Aids among UN peacekeepers in the uniformed services through training and education on basic knowledge of HIV/Aids transmission, HIV prevention and precautionary measures, HIV-related vulnerabilities in mission areas for UN peacekeepers, HIV epidemiology, gender-based violence and links with HIV, and sexual exploitation and abuse.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr Khan said: “We recognize the need to strengthen leadership for an effective response to HIV/Aids at the country level, and recognise that working with uniformed services will contribute greatly to moving ahead the national response to HIV/Aids during the pre-deployment period.

“We must act collectively to tackle HIV/Aids among the uniformed services through a deepening of coordination, cooperation and partnership to address gender-related vulnerabilities, prevent HIV transmission, and educate them on precaution and safety measures related to HIV and Aids.”

Mr Sakho said HIV was being comprehensively integrated in all UN peacekeeping operations. Reaching personnel who currently serve in UN peacekeeping missions not only helps protect their health and wellbeing, but the peacekeepers also serve as agents of change in surrounding communities and eventually in their home countries.

“If we do not address HIV among populations affected by conflict, natural disasters and emergencies, we will not see the end of the HIV epidemic by 2030, and UN peacekeepers can play a pivotal role as partners with UNAIDS,” he said.

UNAIDS, in its interaction with CIPS, will arrange experts to run courses offered at CIPS, and will invite CIPS staff to relevant UNAIDS-sponsored training programmes and workshops within as well as outside Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, January 27th, 2018