The forth session of the ‘District AIDS Council’ (DAC) meeting in Rahim Yar Khan, an initiative of Nai Zindagi under the Global Fund – HIV grant, was chaired by Mr. Jamil Ahmad Jamil, Deputy Commissioner Rahim Yar Khan.
The meeting was well attended by Mr. Yousaf Saeed (Focal Person HIV/AIDS) District Health Authority, Mr. Sarfar Ahmad Deputy DEO-DEA, Mr. Safdar Waraich D.D (Social Welfare), Mr. Aman Ullah warraich City Incharge HIV (Police), Mr. Zaheer Ahmad SWO-District Jail, Mr. Saif Ur Rehman HIV Counselor-ART Center SZH, Mr. Obid Ullah Qazi Molecular Biologist-ART center SZH-Rahim Yar Khan, media, education department and civil society of Rahim Yar Khan.
Deputy Commissioner instructed to present the data of last phase. Mr. Atif Chaudhary, Nai Zindagi, presented the data of 3rd phase, January to December, 2018. It was highlighted that in this phase, 85 PWIDs were registered, 82 HIV testing and counseling (HTC) were performed out of which 31 PWIDs were found HIV positive. Furthermore, HTC was conducted for 18 spouses and none of them were found reactive.
Mr. Atif Chaudhary highlighted the achievements with reference to the DAC in Rahim Yar Khan:
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ART (Anti-Retroviral Treatment) Center was established in Sheikh Zayed Hospital due to efforts of DAC members.
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MoU signed with District Health Authority and Sheikh Zayed Hospital in which provision of baseline investigation (Lab. Test) is done free of cost in Hospitals.
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DPO office issued the letter in favor of Nai Zindagi to provide services to PWIDs
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Sharing of monthly progress to CEO-DHA office regularly.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to all the participants. Mr. Jamil appreciated Nai Zindagi’s efforts and assured continued support from the DAC.
