KARACHI: Sindh has become the first province in Pakistan to publicly launch a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) oral medicine program to prevent HIV infections among 'high-risk populations,' according to The News, quoting officials.


Sindh becomes the first province to initiate an oral medicine program for HIV
Sindh becomes the first province to initiate an oral medicine program for HIV



"In response to an upsurge in new HIV infections, we are launching a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) program in Sindh to prevent people from high-risk communities from becoming HIV positive. Sindh has always been a forerunner in making early health decisions, and others will definitely follow suit "At the launch of the PrEP program in Karachi, Dr. Jumman Bahoto, Director General of Health Sindh, remarked.



According to a study, oral drugs known as PrEP can reduce the risk of HIV infections by more than 90% when taken as advised on a regular basis.




Madam Yuki Takemoto, UNAIDS Country Director Pakistan and Afghanistan, Dr. Ershad Kazmi, Ms. Heather Doyle, UNDP Programme Leader for the HIV Global Fund grant, Dr. Rajwal Khan, UNAIDS Critical Information Adviser, Fahmida Khan from UNAIDS, WHO's country representative to Pakistan, Dr. Sara Salman, or other leaders were also present.




Even though the initial proof of the efficacy of daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) was published more than ten years ago, much of the PrEP scale-up is still concentrated in a small number of countries, according to Dr. Jumman Bahoto.




"By implementing community-based-Prep PrEP for key populations and serodiscordant couples, the Sindh health department, in collaboration with the United Nations in Pakistan, has set a precedent in the country today. Along with other HIV prevention strategies, PrEP provides an alternative option "Following the inaugural event, ART Centre employees from across Sindh province will be trained on how to provide effective and evidence-based PrEP services, he said.




Between 2010 and 2020, new HIV infections in Pakistan increased by 84 percent, according to Dr. Ershad Kazmi, Additional Director, CDC Sindh, "and new HIV infections cannot be halted unless decisive efforts are taken." are taken today." PrEP is a step in the right direction because it provides a significant strategic opportunity to precision target prevention programs for key populations.




UNAIDS Country Director for Pakistan and Afghanistan, Yuki Takemoto, thanked the Sindh health department for formally initiating the PrEP program, noting that they were impressed by the government's political commitment and real actions to address community needs.




"Ensuring a supportive, enabling environment free of stigma and discrimination will contribute effectively to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030," she said, noting that community outreach workers and Counselors have the advantage of being able to reach out to crucial demographics, even those who are difficult to reach.




She also stated that ensuring that policies and services match the needs of the community requires combining community-led HIV prevention programs with genuine community participation.




Ms. Heather Doyle, a UNDP employee, said they were collaborating closely with the Sindh CDC, UNAIDS, and community partners to move this initiative ahead. "We intend to maintain that partnership so that everyone who requires PrEP may obtain it," she added.




Several members of community-based organizations and representatives from critical demographics attended the launch, expressing hope that PrEP use will lower the number of new HIV infections.




One community member explained, "PrEP is a gift of medical knowledge to the communities that can help prevent HIV among persons who are at higher risk." we don't have an HIV vaccine as we do for COVID 19. While a vaccine or cure may someday put an end to the HIV epidemic, PrEP is a strong weapon that has the potential to change the HIV epidemic's trajectory in Pakistan in the coming years."