District AIDS Council (DAC) Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, was convened under the chairmanship of Mrs. Shawana Haleem, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) at Conference Room, Office of Deputy Commissioner Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The session formally opened with the recitation of the Holy Quran, Later all participants introduced themselves. Participants were Mrs. Shawana Haleem ADC (General), Peshawar, Dr. Alamzeb Public Health Coordinator DHO Office Peshawar, Mr. Khalid Mansoor Supervisor LG & RD,Mr. Muhammad Idress Social Welfare Department, Mr. Iftikhar Ahmad President Alkhidmat Foundation Peshawar, Mr. Asim Khan PS to ADC (R & HR),Mr. Razi Khan DSP/HQ Police Deptt Peshawar, Mr. Adnan Khattak ORS Nai Zindagi Peshawar, Mr. Shabbir Ahmad Provincial Coordinator KP Nai Zindagi.
The Provincial Coordinator from Nai Zindagi delivered an indepth briefing on the mandate, structure of Nai Zindagi Program delivery, and significance of the District AIDS Council in Peshawar. He highlighted that the DAC is designed to function as an advisory and consultative body responsible for guiding, updating, and sharing opportunities and challenges related to HIV/AIDS-related initiatives at the district level. Its primary purpose is to ensure effective coordination among government departments, implementing partners, and other stakeholders, while simultaneously addressing operational challenges encountered in the field. The council also aims to strengthen the referral pathways for people who inject drugs (PWIDs), ensuring they receive timely testing, treatment, and follow-up services.
During the meeting, a comprehensive presentation was delivered on Nai Zindagi’s ongoing interventions and achievements across District Peshawar. The presentation covered each major service component in detail, including:
• Needle and Syringe Exchange Program (NSEP)
• HIV Testing and Counselling (HTC)
• Social Mobilization and Provision of ARVs
• Referrals to the ARVs Adherence Unit (AAU)
• Spouse Prevention Program
Several challenges were highlighted, particularly the lack of a specialized treatment and surgical unit for HIV-positive patients at the provincial level. This gap often results in delays or barriers in accessing necessary clinical procedures. Responding to these concerns, Mrs. Shawana Haleem assured the participants of the district administration’s full cooperation. She committed to liaising with the Health Department to facilitate the provision of appropriate services and to ensure that HIV-positive patients receive the required medical attention without discrimination or delay.
The district administration, along with other meeting attendees, expressed appreciation for Nai Zindagi’s contributions and addressing HIV among PWIDs. The President of Alkhidmat Foundation also shared an encouraging development, announcing that clients who have successfully recovered from HIV/AIDS will be offered technological and vocational training under the Foundation’s Bano Qabil Program. This initiative aims to support their reintegration into society by enhancing employability and financial independence.
Additionally, ADC Shawana reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to supporting Nai Zindagi’s service delivery inside Central Jail Peshawar. This includes facilitating access for outreach teams, ensuring smoother coordination with prison authorities, and strengthening health services for incarcerated clients.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to holding DAC meetings on a regular basis. This will enable continuous improved coordination, and enhanced service delivery for PWIDs across the district, particularly in the areas of registration, testing, treatment initiation, and followup referrals.
DAC Meeting at Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
