LARKANA: A joint team of the Global Mission (World Health Organisation) and the National Institute of Health (NIH) Monitoring Team, Islamabad, visited Larkana district to review Mpox (monkeypox) and HIV surveillance systems, along with Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) protocols at health facilities.
One group of the team was tasked with reviewing the IPC protocols and measures at the health facilities across the district while the other group conducted field surveillance for Mpox and HIV.
The latter engaged with communities and discussed key public health concerns.
Both teams carried out two separate site visits during the day and submitted a comprehensive report submitted to the district health officer (DHO). Their activities were facilitated by Deputy DHO Dr Farman Ali Abro — the focal person for HIV and IPC — and Captain Dr Shahid Hussain Khokhar — the Assistant Director Health at the DHO office.
Interact with patients, healthcare providers, district officials, CMCH doctors and nurses; visit prompted by around 40 HIV-positive cases reported from Ratodero; check Infection Prevention and Control protocols at health facilities
A team of doctors comprising Dr Rasheed Ahmed Unnar, the Medical Superintendent at the Banguldero Rural Health Centre; Dr Aashish Kumar, Medical Officer at the DHO office; and staff nurse Mohsin Ali Narejo.
With the aim of reviewing the IPC, the team members visited Taluka Hospital Ratodero and Chandka Medical College Teaching Hospital where interacted with MS Dr Shah Hussain Shah and Dr Amjad Ali Bajarani, along with IPC CMCH focal person Dr Marvi Qazi.
The team members inquired about the functionality of the incinerators installed at the Chandka Medical College Hospital.
Sources privy to the visit said that at present, two of the four incinerators were functional. The team inspected the Trauma Centre, MNCH Block, dressing rooms, surgical units, operating theatres, blood banks, laboratories and Incinerators, the sources said.
During monitoring, the team assessed the knowledge and practical application of IPC protocols among doctors, staff nurses, technicians, lady health supervisors, lady health workers and other staff.
As a part of field visits, the team proceeded to Shar Shar, near Usman Unnar village in Ratodero taluka where it engaged with community members and LHWs to discuss awareness of Mpox and HIV, poverty, access to supportive treatment and challenges related to lab testing.
Health education sessions were conducted on preventive measures. At the BCF office, the team interacted with transgender persons and female sex workers, providing them with awareness on Mpox and HIV prevention strategies.
The Shar village is the place where around 40 HIV-positive cases were reported initially, the sources said. The team inquired about the regular test for CD4 and viral load. However, the sources said, the villagers replied in negative regarding the tests. They also met several HIV-positive mothers and children during the visit.
Both groups reassembled at the DHO Office for a closing meeting with Additional District Health Officer Dr Hafeezullah Abro and Taluka Health Officer of Dokri Dr Altaf Ahmed Rahujo, where preliminary findings from the day’s visits were shared.
Throughout the entire visit, DDHO Dr Farman Ali Abro remained with the Global Mission team, ensuring seamless coordination and hospitality.
Published in Dawn, May 17th, 2026
