Islamabad, Pakistan – Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination, Syed Mustafa Kamal, directed authorities on Monday to establish at least one HIV screening and treatment center in every district of Pakistan, according to a statement released by the Ministry.
The directive follows a high-level meeting convened by Kamal to review the country’s HIV/AIDS situation. Participants received a briefing on current challenges and potential strategies for improvement. The move comes amid reported rising HIV/AIDS cases nationwide, prompting the federal health department to prioritize prevention, diagnosis, and treatment access.
“Implementation of Border Health Services Regulation recommendations be made more effective and that proper screening of every individual entering through borders must be ensured,” Kamal stated, emphasizing the require for enhanced surveillance at points of entry. He likewise called for the development of a regular reporting mechanism to track the effectiveness of these measures.
The Minister highlighted existing gaps in the national response, specifically noting that timely diagnosis of all individuals living with HIV remains incomplete. He stressed the importance of coordinated and effective measures to address this challenge. “Public awareness remains the cornerstone of an effective fight against HIV/AIDS,” Kamal said, urging citizens to seek screening.
The initiative aims to ensure citizens have access to quality treatment facilities within their own localities. Representatives from the Central Management Unit and international partner organizations attended the meeting, signaling a collaborative approach to tackling the issue. The Ministry has not yet announced a timeline for the establishment of the centers, nor detailed the funding mechanisms that will support the initiative.
