Every district must have HIV screening, treatment centre: minister

ISLAMABAD (APP) - Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination Syed Mustafa Kamal on Monday directed the authorities concerned to establish at least one HIV screening and treatment centre in every district to ensure citizens have access to quality treatment facilities within their own localities.

He made these remarks while chairing a high-level meeting to review the HIV/AIDS situation in the country, where participants were given a detailed briefing on the prevailing challenges and the way forward.

Speaking on the occasion, the Health Minister emphasised the urgent need to further strengthen HIV prevention, timely diagnosis, availability of treatment, and public awareness campaigns across the country.

The Minister also instructed that implementation of Border Health Services Regulation recommendations be made more effective and that proper screening of every individual entering through borders must be ensured.

He called for the development of a regular reporting mechanism in this regard.

Highlighting existing gaps, the Minister noted that timely diagnosis of all people living with HIV in the country is still not being fully achieved, stressing that coordinated and effective practical measures are indispensable to address the challenge.

He underscored that public awareness remains the cornerstone of an effective fight against HIV/AIDS and urged citizens to act responsibly by getting themselves screened.

He stated that this is not only a matter of individual health but also of the safety of families and society at large.

The Federal Government, he affirmed, is fully committed to addressing this important public health issue on a priority basis.

According to the Ministry of Health spokesperson, all partner organizations appreciated the ongoing efforts under the leadership of the Federal Health Minister and reaffirmed their commitment to continue full cooperation with the Ministry of Health.