The Punjab AIDS Control Program formally introduced a new medicine for prevention of HIV/AIDS here on Friday. The new medicine is introduced as part of Pre Exposure Prophylaxis Program (PrEP) and will help stop the transmission of HIV/AIDS virus from one person to another.
The PrEP was launched in a formal ceremony organized by the Punjab AIDS Control Program at a local hotel. Additional Secretary Vertical Programs Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department Mr. Asim Raza was Chief Guest of the ceremony. Key note speakers included Program Director PACP Dr. Awais Gohar, representative of World Health Organization Dr. Irfan, Representative UNDP Ms. Heather Doyle and Representative of UNAIDS Dr. Rajwal. The event was attended by Dr. Yadullah from Hepatitis Control Program, officials of the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department, experts on infectious diseases, epidemiologists and Community Based as well as Civil Society Organizations.
Program Director Dr. Awais Gohar said that the launch of the PrEP was an important milestone for Punjab. He said, "PrEP will be extremely useful in healthcare settings. Healthcare staff engaged in complex surgeries of HIV/AIDS patients shall greatly benefit from this initiative. The medicine will be available free of cost at all centers of the Punjab AIDS Control Program." Dr. Awais further said that Post Exposure Prophylaxis medicines were already available to healthcare workers in case of accidental pricks. Now PrEP will reduce the risk of virus transmission for those intending to perform surgical procedures.
UNAIDS representative Dr. Rajwal said that due to advancement in research, new developments are taking place in the field of medicine every day The introduction of PrEP will prove to be very important in stopping the spread of the disease. Although there is no vaccine available for HIV/AIDS, there are effective medicines available by use of which a patient can lead normal life.
Treatment Co-ordinator PACP Dr. Atif said that HIV/AIDS virus transmits through blood and body fluids. This medicine will save people at greater risk of contracting the virus. WHO expert on infectious diseases Dr. Irfan said welcomed the introduction of PrEP and assured full support to the Punjab government from the WHO.
Chief Guest Additional Secretary Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department Mr. Asim Raza said that prevention through awareness is the most effective strategy to stop the spread of infectious diseases. He said that everyone must play his part in saving human lives. He paid rich tribute to the medical staff treating HIV/AIDS patients. He said that the Government was providing free counselling, testing and treatment facility to more than 17000 patients in the province. He further said that medicines availability is being ensured in all districts of the province.
Later, a Question Answer session was organized and the panellists responded to queries of experts and participants. Dr. Awais Gohar thanked partners UNDP, UNAIDS, WHO and UNICEF for their support.