A lunch was hosted at the AAU for Dr Urban Weber, Head, High Impact Asia Department of the Global Fund Secretariat. He was accompanied by the Pakistan Country Team represented by Dr Werner, Fund Portfolio Manager, Pakistan and Dr Dawran, Senior Program Officer. The occasion was also graced by Dr Baseer Achakzai, National Program Manager NACP, Dr Quaid Saeed National Program Officer NACP, Dr Sajid Ahmad, CCM Coordinator and Dr Aamir Chaudhary, LFA Global Fund. Dr Arif Noor and Dr Farah Naureen, Mercy Corps represented Global partners working in TB in Pakistan.
Nearly one hundred residents of the AAU from approximately 28 districts of Pakistan actively interacted with the guests. Key issues were raised focusing on increasing scale and access to services already established under the Global Fund Grant, availability of diagnostics (Viral load) and need for additional rehabilitative care and support units.
The honorable guests explained the reality on ground and constraints, while mentioning the key improvements that have taken place in the last few years. It was obvious that the Government, Global Fund, Civil Society and infected/affected communities (beneficiaries of the program) stand together in solidarity to ensure reduced new infections and care for those in need.
