Islamabad: On World AIDS Day 2024, Pakistan has reiterated its commitment to enhancing the national response to HIV, emphasizing the importance of human rights in the fight against the epidemic. This year’s theme, “Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right,” highlights the necessity of a rights-based approach to healthcare and the eradication of AIDS as a public health threat.

According to Press Information Department, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif stressed the significance of upholding the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights and promoting inclusivity within all communities to combat AIDS effectively. The Prime Minister underlined the critical need for strengthening health systems and expanding access to essential services, recognizing healthcare as a fundamental right for all citizens.

Despite ongoing efforts, the HIV epidemic in Pakistan continues to pose a significant health and socio-economic challenge, deepening inequalities and affecting livelihoods. The Prime Minister called for introspection on the gaps in testing and treatment coverage and emphasized the need for strategies that are responsive to those most at risk. He advocated for bold, innovative, and sustainable interventions to address the growing epidemic.

Key challenges identified include the elimination of HIV transmission through needle sharing among drug users, ensuring safe blood transfusions, and preventing mother-to-child transmission. The Prime Minister also highlighted the vulnerability of marginalized groups, particularly adolescent girls and young women, who are at heightened risk of HIV infection.

In conclusion, the Prime Minister urged collective action to achieve an AIDS-free Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of human dignity, equity, and inclusion. He called for strong political will, effective leadership, and enhanced financial commitments to implement a rights-based national HIV strategy.