ISLAMABAD, Dec 4: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Monday said Pakistan was committed to fighting Aids, and it was taking preventive/curative steps and using media to create awareness among the general public to eradicate this disease.

Talking to Mr. JVR Parsada Rao, Director UNAIDS the Prime Minister emphasized the need for public-private partnership to eradicate Aids.

He said the government was utilising all resources to nip this evil in the bud. It is working with multilateral organizations, NGOs, WHO and donor agencies to control this disease.

The Prime Minister said Ministry of Health had been asked to interact with other related ministries to chalk out a comprehensive programme to create awareness among the public about various aspects of Aids. He said information on this disease should be included in the curricula at various stages of education and training should be given at the right age and level for which civil society organizations and donors need to play their role.

The Prime Minister emphasized the need to engage various high risk groups and keep a check on the use of drugs and he use of syringes. He said the government had banned the use of glass syringes and reuse of syringes was not allowed as that was the major source of this disease.

The Prime Minister said the government had launched an awareness campaign using print and electronic media to raise the level of awareness. He said there is a need to break psychological barriers and overcome taboos to control the disease effectively.

Mr. JVR Parsada Rao said Pakistan government is providing full support to eradicate Aids.