Islamabad: Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Mr. Syed Mustafa Kamal, has directed the implementation of nationwide pre-surgical HIV screening and emphasized the importance of nutritional support for children living with HIV. The directives were issued during a Joint Working Group meeting at the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination in Islamabad.

According to Press Information Department, the meeting brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Global Fund, WHO, UNAIDS, UNICEF, UNDP, and various provincial health officials, to assess the current HIV situation in Pakistan. The discussions focused on program implementation, surveillance, and strategic frameworks, as well as addressing gaps in infection prevention and control.

Mr. Kamal stressed the need for a standardized approach to pre-surgical HIV screening across the country, highlighting that some regions, such as Sindh, Punjab, and Islamabad, have already implemented these measures. He also called for stronger infection prevention and control measures, particularly concerning unsafe injections and blood safety, and urged provincial health commissions to participate in upcoming meetings to address these issues comprehensively.

The meeting also tackled the integration of HIV data from Punjab into the National HIV Management Information System to improve national surveillance and patient tracking. The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to halting HIV transmission in Pakistan, underscoring the need for coordinated efforts among federal and provincial governments, healthcare institutions, and development partners. A comprehensive report on the implementation of these directives is expected at the next meeting.