The 7th District AIDS Council (DAC) meeting in Faisalabad took place on October 19, 2024, at 1:10 PM in the conference room of the DC office in Faisalabad.
The meeting commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran and was chaired by Ahmad Saleem Chishti (Additional Deputy Commissioner), with DR Asfand Yar (CEO, DHA Faisalabad) serving as co-chair. The attendees included Ahmad Saleem Chishti, ADC G, Dr Asfand Yar, and DHO DHA Faisalabad, Irfan Haider, Executive District Officer (EDO) Education, M. Saleem Harral, Assistant Medical Superintendent (ADS), Allied-II, Dr Ali Raza, Assistant Medical Superintendent (ADS) Allied-II, Dr. Nazia Ehsan, In-Charge ART Center, Rana M. Shahzad Hussain, Deputy District Officer Health, Jaranwala, Abdul Raheem Cheema, City Manager (GSM-TCI), Hira Ashraf, In-charge DIC, Active Help Organization (AHO), M. Awais, Line Officer, DSP (HQ), Mr. Muhammad Imran, Manager, District Coordination, Pakistan, Ramzan Ali, Site Manager, Nai Zindagi Trust Co. PC+ Faisalabad
Mr. Muhammad Imran welcomed the participants and outlined the DAC’s objectives. He provided a comprehensive overview of the current HIV/AIDS situation among People Who Inject Drugs (PWID) in the district, presenting relevant statistics and trends. The meeting included discussions on the challenges faced and strategies to reduce HIV prevalence in District Faisalabad.
Ahmad Saleem Chishti concluded the meeting by commending the collaboration between the Punjab AIDS Control Program and Nai Zindagi Trust in providing essential services and treatment for those affected by HIV. The meeting wrapped up at 2:10 PM with expressions of gratitude from both the chair and the participants.
DR Asfand Yar announced plans to send letters to all THQs and large government hospitals to ensure better care, stating that all diagnostic tests will be provided free of charge and patients will be prioritized. Nai Zindagi Trust also highlighted its activities and performance up to October 15, 2024, reporting a positive impact in reducing PWID cases in District Faisalabad. Participants expressed great satisfaction with the trust’s efforts.
