KARACHI: World AIDS Day was observed today in Karachi as the CDC-I (HIV/AIDS), Health Department Government of Sindh, celebrated the international day by organizing an awareness walk and seminar to highlight the importance of diagnosis, treatment and public education in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
The programme was held under the direction of Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, Health Secretary Rehan Iqbal Baloch, and the guidance of Deputy DG CDC Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Dharejo, Dr. Kanwal Mustafa, Additional Director CDC-I, with support from senior officials of the health department. The awareness walk drew participation from health professionals, nursing students, civil society members and media representatives. Operational arrangements were made and coordinated by the Dr. Ghulam Ali Bozdar, Deputy Director, CDC-I, Sindh.
Additional Director CDC-I HIV/AIDS, Dr. Kanwal Mustafa, while addressing the media, said that World AIDS Day serves as a reminder that early testing and timely treatment can save lives. She said that Sindh is moving towards a stronger HIV response through better coordination with ART centres, health service institutions and CBOs. She emphasized that stigma and silence remain the biggest obstacles, and the health department is committed to community engagement, outreach and better access to screening services.
Deputy Director CDC-I, Dr. Ghulam Ali Bozdar, said that the efforts of CDC-I reflect the Sindh government’s priority to control HIV through public awareness campaigns and improved service delivery. He added that Pakistan must not ignore at-risk populations and called for collaborative work between government departments, health professionals and the media to ensure that prevention messages reach every level of society.
Key participants included Dr. Ali Raza Kandhro (PTC CDC-I), Dr. Sassui Wadho (PC BISP), in-charges of ART Centres across Karachi Division, and representatives of community-based organizations including Kamran Abdullah (Humraz), Dr. Ghous Bux Malik (Nai Zindagi Trust) and Dr. Mobarak (Bridge Consultants Foundation). Students and faculty from nursing colleges also attended, along with Khairunnisa Khan, Principal, College of Nursing, Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi.
A separate awareness seminar was held at the Karachi Press Club, followed by a free screening camp arranged by CDC-I, Sindh. Refreshments were served after the event.
Senior journalist and founder of Health Matters Media, Akhtar Shaheen Rind, also joined the walk and assured full media support for future HIV awareness campaigns. He said that media platforms must play a responsible role in promoting preventive healthcare, especially for marginalized and vulnerable communities.
Participants and health officials appreciated the efforts of CDC-I Health Department Sindh for observing World AIDS Day with public engagement, calling it an effective step towards strengthening Sindh’s HIV/AIDS response and promoting a healthier, aware society.
