The task force formed by the Prime Minister to address measures for preventing HIV cases has proposed airport screening for deported passengers.
According to the Ministry of Health spokesperson, the Prime Minister took notice of the reported HIV cases and constituted a high-level task force, whose second meeting was chaired by Minister of State for Health Dr. Mukhtar Bharath.
The meeting was attended by members of the task force and representatives of relevant institutions, while former Special Assistant on Health Dr. Zafar Mirza, former Commandant of Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology and Chairman of the Task Force Major General (Retired) Azhar Mahmood Kayani, Special Secretary Interior Islamabad, Additional Secretary Health, and Director General Health also participated.
In addition, Dean of the Institute of Public Health Lahore Dr. Saira Afzal, Vice Chancellor of Health Services Academy Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan, infectious disease expert Dr. Sabiha Qazi, and provincial health secretaries attended the meeting through video link.
Officials from the National Institute of Health (NIH), DRAP, provincial health departments, UNAIDS, and the Common Management Unit were also present at the meeting.
Minister of State for Health Dr. Mukhtar Bharath said the purpose of the task force is to investigate the matter, identify those responsible, and formulate recommendations to prevent such incidents in the future. The task force was directed to conduct a comprehensive investigation into incidents involving the reuse of contaminated syringes, while members also presented their suggestions and recommendations.
During the meeting, the task force proposed that the NIH, CDC, and CMU activate a dashboard to ensure a real-time data system through which monitoring of HIV cases, analysis of trends, and coordination mechanisms can be made more effective.
Meanwhile, there was also agreement on the preparation of a National Public Health Law to prevent the spread of HIV in the country, aimed at ensuring prevention of HIV transmission caused by unsafe medical practices.
