LIKE other parts of the world, Pakistan observed World AIDS Day on Dec 1 to acknowledge the role of communities in controlling the spread of the deadly disease.

I think this was a good step, particularly after the AIDS outbreak in Ratodero and Turbat earlier this year.

Since 1998, organisations and individuals across the globe bring attention to the HIV epidemic and endeavour to increase HIV awareness and knowledge.

HIV continues to be a major global public health issue, having claimed 770,000 lives worldwide in 2018.

Pakistan has been having an increasing number of HIV/AIDS cases. There was an outbreak in Ratodero where many children tested positive for HIV, followed by cases in Punjab and Balochistan.

Pakistan is among 11 countries with the highest prevalence of HIV/AIDS and these cases are due to a lack of unawareness. A lack of awareness leads to unsafe sexual practice, or the use of poor-quality protection. Taboos around sexual practices and health are a major hindrance in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

On World AIDS Day 2019, WHO had highlighted the difference these communities are making to end the HIV epidemic while drawing global attention to the need for their broader engagement in strengthening primary healthcare. This year’s theme for World AIDS Day – “communities make the difference”—is apt for our country.

Imran Rasheed

Kech

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ON Sunday, the world observed World AIDS Day. In our country no one talks about AIDS because it is considered taboo.

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome is a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). By damaging your immune system, HIV interferes with your body’s ability to fight the organisms that cause disease. HIV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

This May, there was an outbreak of the virus in Ratodero, a small town in Sindh. It started with an infected syringe and spread to over 900 children. I think it is imperative for authorities concerned to ensure safe medical practices around to prevent future outbreaks.

Sahir Ishaq

Turbat

Published in Dawn, December 5th, 2019