KARACHI, July 11: Across-the-board screening of all jail inmates and addicts around the country has been recommended to combat the rising incidence of HIV-AIDS in Pakistan.

Experts at a two-day workshop jointly organised here on Friday by Sindh AIDS Control Programme and UN-AIDS said that overseas workers and expatriate Pakistanis, generally considered potential carriers of the virus, had been noticed to be gradually replaced by drug addicts.

It was also mentioned that jail inmates were at high risk and were prone to addiction and sexually transmitted diseases.

The two-day event inaugurated on Thursday was aimed at training volunteers and NGO representatives in providing necessary support and guidance to those at a high risk of getting inflicted with the disease that is assuming serious proportions in Asia.

Country programme advisor UN-AIDS, C.J. Suriya, speaking on the occasion, said HIV-AIDS must not be considered a mere health issue as it was closely linked to economic, sociological and political aspects of any society.

Dr Sharaf Ali Shah, manager Sindh AIDS Control Programme, in his presentation, said the 17 cases of HIV-AIDS (positive) were identified in Larkana during the month of June, comprising addicts who used syringes.

Dr Sharaf Ali Shah said a very careful attitude had to be adopted as the patients need sympathy and support to cope with the situation.

The session was also addressed by Abid Atiq, coordinator National AIDS Control Programme, Dr Abdul Khaliq, advisor UN-AIDS, Dr Syed Abdul Mujeeb, Dr Asif Mirza and Lala Iqbal Mashoori.—APP