ISLAMABAD: The government of Republic of Korea has decided to extend humanitarian assistance of $100,000 in cash through the World Health Organisation (WHO) to help respond to the HIV outbreak, mainly in Larkana district.

According to a WHO statement issued here on Friday, the HIV spread was mainly noted in Larkana district and as of July 13, 2019, as many as 935 people had been confirmed with the virus, including 760 children under 15 years of age.

WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr Palitha Mahipala had called on South Korean Ambassador Kwak Sung-Kyu to garner support for the WHO project to respond to the unprecedented HIV outbreak in Larkana district.

The Korean embassy played a constructive role in Seoul’s making the decision to support the cause of the World Health Organisation project, sympathising with the grave concern that HIV is spreading rapidly and majority of the victims are children.

Despite South Korea’s commitment, there remains a significant funding gap for the WHO project as it requires $4.5 million for the next two years for preventing the spread of transmission of HIV infection in Pakistan and reducing the sufferings among the HIV-infected population, especially children.

Informing Dr Mahipala of the ROK’s decision of support, the ambassador in their July 18 meeting stated: “I expect that other governments and international NGOs will join South Korea in supporting the WHO’s efforts in responding to the HIV outbreak in Pakistan.”

The WHO representative appreciated the ROK government’s support for scaling up response to the HIV-affected population in Larkana district.

Published in Dawn, July 21st, 2019