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| Announcements > Press release |
| Voluntary Blood Donation Camp ,
Dispensary, Parliament ,
Inaugurated by Minister for Health
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The Honorable Minister for Health, Mr. Makhdoom Shahb-ud-Din along with Mr. Istaqbal Khan, Advisor to Prime Minister inaugurated the voluntary blood donation camp at parliament dispensary to celebrate the Blood Donor Week from June i.e. 14 - 21, 2010. The Minister for Health highlighted the importance of the activities being carried out during the week. He complimented the role of Benazir Bhutto for strengthening the democracy in the country. He also directed the Enhanced HIV & AIDS Control Programme (Federal Component) (EHACP), Ministry of Health to ensure to arrange such camp through out the country. Minister for Health emphasized the party workers to participate enthusiastically in this campaign that is held in memorization of their party leader. The camp was also visited by Madam Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly, Dr. Mehreen Razzak Bhutto, Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Secretary Health. The camp will remain open 24 hours up to June 21st under the supervision of Dr. Durdana Kazmi, In-charge Dispensary, Parliament House. Dr. Muhammad Sharif, In-charge Blood Bank FGSH and Mr. Muhammad Qasim, Research Officer, NACP. A lot of senior party members/workers visited the camp and donated blood to tribute the sacrifice of Legendary Leader Motharma Benazir Bhutto. The camp was also visited by many of the media reporters.
The NACP has also organized such types of voluntary blood donation camps through out the country with the help of party workers to celebrate one week blood donor day campaign on the 57th anniversary of Shaheed Motharma Benazir Bhutto. Dr. Hasan Abbas Zaheer, Focal person for Blood transfusion project, is monitoring all the activities of this campaign all over the Pakistan. Meanwhile, the budget session is also continued in parliament and senate hall as well and a lot of donation will be expected from the party MNAs and senators.
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| Voluntary Blood Donation Camp at People Party Central Secretariat and
PIMS Hospital, Islamabad visited by Minister for Health and Secretary Health
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The Enhanced HIV & AIDS Control Programme (Federal Component) celebrated the Shaheed Motharma Benazir Bhutto 57th birthday with great zeal through out the Pakistan as continued to its one week voluntary blood donation campaign. To day the main activity was held at PPP central secretariat and PIMS hospital, Islamabad. A special blood camp was organized by the NACP along with Federal Government Services Hospital and Peoples doctor forum. A huge crowed of PPP workers were present to donate blood voluntarily to attributes their legendary leader.
The Honorable Minister for Health, Mr. Makhdoom Shahb-ud-Din along with Mr. Khushnood Akhtar Lashari, Secretary Health, Dr. Hasan Abbas Zaheer, Focal Person for Blood Transfusion Project and Mr. Muhammad Qasim visited the camp and appreciated the love of party worker with their ladder. Latter on the Minster visited the Voluntary Blood donation camp at PIMS hospital Islamabd. The Minister for Health highlighted the importance of the activities being carried out during the week. He complimented the role of Benazir Bhutto for strengthening the democracy in the country. He also emphasized the party workers to participate enthusiastically in this campaign that is held in memorization of their party leader. The camp was also visited by many of the media reporters.
The NACP has also organized such types of voluntary blood donation camps through out the country with the help of party workers to celebrate one week blood donor day campaign on the 57th birthday of Shaheed Motharma Benazir Bhutto. Dr. Hasan Abbas Zaheer, Focal person for Blood transfusion project, monitored all the activities of this campaign all over the Pakistan.
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| CDWP Approves Safe Blood Transfusion Project PC-1s |
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The Federal, Provincial and AJK PC-1s (6) of the “National Blood Transfusion Service” project were approved by the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) of the Planning Commission in its meeting held on March 18, 2010 in Islamabad. The PC-1s are worth Rs. 2.5 billion, and have a foreign funding component of 17 Million Euros. The foreign component consists of a grant provided by the government of Germany.
The Enhanced HIV & AIDS Control Programme (Federal Component) is the implementing partner of the project for its first 5-year phase. A Project Management Unit will be established in the NACP to implement this project of immense public health importance all over the country.
The project envisages the establishment of 13 regional blood transfusion centers all over the country and refurbishment of 90 existing hospital based blood banks. The role of the regional centers will be serve as blood procurement and distribution centers ensuring quality systems to regulate all activities including mobilization and retention of voluntary blood donors, collection of blood donations and processing, screening, testing and component preparation and storage. The linked blood banks will be refurbished, their equipment replaced and manpower trained to adapt them to their new patient oriented role.
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| World Bank Committed to Support the HIV/AIDS Programme in Pakistan |
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The Word Bank has reiterated its commitment to continue to support the HIV/AIDS Control Programme in Pakistan. Dr. Kees Kostermans, Lead Public Health Specialist, World Bank, Washington DC, expressed these views during his recent meeting, with the Federal Health Secretary, Mr. Kushnood Lashari, in Islamabad.
The meeting was held to discuss the roadmap for the second five year phase (2010-2014) of the on-going HIV/AIDS Control Programme in Pakistan. Dr. Hasan Abbas Zaheer, National Manager HIV/AIDS Control Programme briefed the meeting about the accomplishments made and challenges faced during the first phase of the project implementation that concluded on December 31, 2009. He stated that the governments commitment to the programme is reflected by the approval of the PC-1s for the next phase (2010-14) by ECNEC in August 2009. The next five year phase of implementation envisages a scaled-up response with enhanced geographical coverage.
The World Bank reassured the Ministry of Health that the World Bank funding for the entire Programme including all the provinces for the next five years would be finalized by its Preparatory Mission which would visit Pakistan next month. The World Banks approval process is expected to be completed within the current financial year to ensure continuity in programme implementation.
The World Bank Mission lauded the achievements made to control the spread of HIV and AIDS in Pakistan. They particularly noted the outstanding performance of the National AIDS Control Programme in mobilizing civil society including marginalized and high risk groups. The Mission recognized the increased allocation of resources by the Government of Pakistan in the next phase of the programme and considered it a positive reflection of the successful strategic advocacy conducted by the National AIDS Control Programme. The improved enabling environment at the policy levels for prioritizing and allocation of appropriate resources would facilitate greater support by multi donor organizations to control the spread of HIV/AIDS in Pakistan.
The Federal Health Secretary, Mr. Kushnood Lashari thanked the Mission for their commitment to continue supporting the next 5 year phase of the AIDS Control Programme. He expressed the hope that the World Bank would ensure completion of the necessary approval process without any disruption in the implementation of the next phase of the Programme. |
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| "Dissemination Seminar on HIV & STIs in Pakistan" : From Analysis to Action |
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Islamabad Oct. 20: The Federal Health Secretary Mr Khushnood Akhtar Lashari has said that prevention and control of HIV and other communicable infectious diseases were a health care priority of the Government and announced to extend the HIV control programme for another five years in order to check their spread to the general population.
He said this while speaking at a dissemination Seminar organized by National AIDS Control rogramme on " HIV and STIs in Pakistan-from Analysis to Action" here on Tuesday.
"The new health policy prioritizes HIV prevention and control among most-at-risk populations and its further spread to the general population through building strong and sustainable partnerships with civil society" Lashari emphasized.
He said the major part of the response to HIV and AIDS in Pakistan consists of National Aids Control Programme and provincial counterparts which are implementing the Enhanced HIV and AIDS Control Programme together with their implementing partners.
The Enhanced Programme interventions are focused on HIV Prevention and Treatment Services, Advocacy, communication and Stigma Reduction Campaign, Governance and Institutional Framework of the Response and HIV related research.
The Federal Health Secretary said the first phase of the programme, which has played a significant role in building a coordinated and multisectoral response against HIV is nearing completion. Under this programme thirteen HIV treatment centres have been established all over the country where more than 1200 AIDS patients are receiving free Anti-retroviral drugs, treatment for opportunistic infections and other support services.
He said the donors organizations have reposed full confidence in the Programme by supporting the enhanced programme for the next five years 2009-2014. The total funding allocations for the expanded programme would be Rs 7.9 billion out of which Rs6.3 billion have been committed by international partners and Rs.1.5 billion by Government of Pakistan.
He assured full support of the Ministry of health for the ongoing and new initiatives in research to facilitate evidence based policy decisions.
Turning to other initiatives of the Health Ministry, he said the government has prepared a Vision 2030 document that proposes health reforms as ameans of poverty reduction. The document envisages a healthy and productive population that actively contributes to the overall socio-economic development of the country. He said the government is committed under the Vision 2030 to develop their capacities through adequate financing and implementing a community based strategy.
Mr Lashari said for timely and effective response to emerging and re-emerging epidemics, a comprehensive Helath Emergency Surveillance and Response System is planned at the national, provincial and district levels.
He said the Government fully realizes the need for provision of healthcare services to the masses and a reflection of this determination is 30 percent increase in the health sector allocations in the present year's budget.
Others who spoke at the Seminar included Dr Hassan Abbass Zaheer, National Programme Manager, NACP, Provincial Aids Control Programme Managers of NWFP, Punjab, Soindh and Balochistan, Mr Oussama Tawil, UNAIDS, Mr Jim Butler, DFI, Dr John Williams, , Ms Martine Collumbien, and Dr Kent Buse, LSHTM. |
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| Meeting of the Sub Committee of the Standing Committee on Health |
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A meeting of the Sub Committee of the Standing Committee on Health was held on 26th September, 2009 in the Committee Room # 7 of National National Assembly, Islamabad under the Chair of Dr. Donya Aziz. Dr Lal Chand, MNA and Mrs. Yasmeen Rehman, MNA were also present. Mr. K.B .Rind, Secretary, Ministry of Narcotics, Syed Irshad Hussain, Director General, National Police Bureau and Dr. Hasan Abbas Zaheer, National Programme Manager, National AIDS Control Programme, attended the meeting.
2. The agenda of the meeting was as below : a. Discussion on Gender Crime Center ___ Police Bureau b. Prevention and Control of Drug Addiction ___ Ministry of Narcotics Control & Anti Narcotics Force c. Stigma and discrimination of HIV/AIDS patients ___ National AIDS Control Programme
3. The salient features of the meeting are as below : a. The Sub Committee deliberated on the stigma and discrimination issues faced by people affected with HIV/AIDS in Pakistan. Specific issues of the High Risk Groups including Injecting Drug Users, Commercial Sex Workers, Transgenders and Migrant Workers were discussed threadbare. Representatives of these High Risk Groups shared their experiences with the Sub-Committee. The Sub-Committee made especial note of the discrimination faced by the Transgender communities and the Migrant Workers and assured the participants that their issues would be brought to the notice of the parliament and relevant authorities so that their rights are safe guarded. The high risk groups were also assured that the Sub-Committee would endeavor to protect the rights of these marginalized groups so that they receive fair opportunities to pursue normal Education, Health Care and Employment of their choice. b. Dr. Zaheer, NPM, NACP, informed the Sub-Committee that the AIDS Control Programmes PC-1s for the next 5-year phase were approved by the ECNEC last month. These PC-1s are fully funded and envisage scaling up of services and enhancement of geographical coverage with special emphasis ion improvement of qualitative services for the HIV positive people. The Sub-Committee directed NACP and the Narcotics Ministry to coordinate and devise an effective media strategy to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS among all segments of population and at the same time ensuring that stigma and discrimination is reduced. c. The Ministry of Narcotics Control updated the Sub Committee on the latest trends and statistics regarding drug addiction in the country. The participants were also informed about the efforts of the Ministry to prevent and control drug addiction in Pakistan. The Sub Committee expressed its concern over mandatory Drug addiction treatment and directed both the Health and Narcotics Ministries to peruse the Oral Substitution Therapy Pilot Program for the treatment of Drug Addicts> This should help to reduce their needs for illegal narcotics and use of injecting material as well as involving NAVTEC for vocational training for Drug Addicts. The Ministry of Health was directed to facilitate the registration of Methadone and Buprenorphine for this purpose. d. The Sub Committee recommended that MNAs should be involved in all awareness campaigns related to reducing drug use and demand. The Members of the Sub Committee expressed concern over the discrimination faced by the people living with HIV/AIDS including unprofessional attitude of health care providers, forced deportation from the gulf countries, and discrimination at work places. e. The UNAIDS Representative Mr. Oussama Tawil also spoke on the occasion and briefed the participants on the efforts of the UN system in supporting the AIDS Control Programme in Pakistan. He especially highlighted the work being done in this regard for the welfare and protection of rights of the Migrant Workers. The Committee recommended that the issue of migrant workers be taken up with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Labour and Overseas Pakistanis.
The Sub Committee members appreciated the work being done by the NACP, Narcotics Ministry and the NGO sector in managing the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Pakistan. The Chair especially thanked the meeting participants on the contribution to make this meeting a success. |
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| HIV/AIDS PC-1s Approved by ECNEC |
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The Executive Committee of National Economic Council (ECNEC) in its meeting held in Islamabad on August 20, 2009, approved the PC-1s of the National, Punjab and Sindh AIDS Control Programmes for the next five years. The total cost of the five year plans is 6.55 billion, including foreign aid from World Bank and DfID.
The Ministry of Health and the Government of Pakistan is fully committed to prevent and control the spread of HIV/AIDS epidemic in the country .The Federal Minster of Health Mir Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani played a key role in facilitating the approval of PC-1s from the CDWP and ECNEC. Under his dynamic leadership the Ministry of Health was able to steer the process of developing and approving these projects. The Federal Secretary Health, Mr. Khushnood Lashari played a pivotal role in guiding the National HIV Prevention and Control response in the country. His dynamic vision provided the roadmap to develop the National and Provincial HIV/AIDS PC-1s in line with the National HIV Strategic Framework. Dr. Hasan Abbas Zaheer, the National Programme Manager, National AIDS Control Programme and his team worked tirelessly for the last 20 months to develop these PC-1s through a very intensive consultative process and then follow it in the approval process from the respective PDWPs, CDWP and finally the ECNEC.
At present the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) at federal level and four Provincial AIDS Control Programmes (PACPs) along-with AJK AIDS Control Programme are implementing the HIV/AIDS prevention and control interventions in the country. Under these programs a number of HIV prevention services have been delivered to various high-risk groups through public-private partnerships. Various guidelines, protocols, manuals, and training modules have been developed to build a standardized response. Twelve HIV treatment centers have been established all across the country to provide free Antiretroviral drugs and treatment for opportunistic infections to AIDS patients. Several research studies have been conducted to understand the local HIV scenario including the establishment of new system of HIV surveillance through the support of Canadian government. NACP is working tirelessly to expand the national HIV prevention and control response by establishing new linkages and collaborations with various international partners like CDC-Atlanta, London School of Tropical Hygiene and Medicine, The Clinton Foundation etc.
The revised PC-1s approved by the ECNEC envisage scaling-up of services to control the HIV epidemic through implementation of HIV prevention interventions among high-risk groups including injecting drug users, male and female sex workers, transgenders, truckers and jail inmates. The projects also include provision of HIV care and support services to AIDS patients, prevention of mother to child transmission, advocacy and communication for general public and HIV related research and surveillance in the country. The projects will contribute building a comprehensive, multi-sectoral and sustainable response in the country with support from various line ministries, multilateral and bilateral partners, civil society and the target beneficiaries. |
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"World Blood Donor Day Celebration"
June 15, 2009 - Burney Auditorium, National Institute of Health, Islamabad |
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The National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) organized a function to celebrate the World Blood Donor Day on June 15, 2009 at the National Institute of Health, Islamabad. The Honorable Federal Minister for Health Mir Ajar Husain Jakhrani was the chief guest on the occasion. Mr. Khushnood Lashari, Secretary Health, also attended the event.
The WHO Health Assembly has designated June 14 as an annual event globally, as part of efforts to ensure safe blood transfusion worldwide. On the occasion, the Health Minister lauded the efforts of NACP to arrange this function and urged everyone to make this day successful so that more and more people are made aware about the importance of voluntary blood donations. The Minister informed the audience about the health sector priorities of the present Government and assured NACP his full support in establishing the proposed National Blood Transfusion Service project in Pakistan.
The Secretary Health, Mr. Khushnood Akhtar Lashari, congratulated the NACP for organizing activities to celebrate the World Blood Donor Day. He also acknowledged the efforts of NACP in developing the National and Provincial PC-1s for the National Blood Transfusion Service project.
Dr. Hasan Abbas Zaheer, National Programme Manager, NACP, welcomed the participants and highlighted the importance of the World Blood Donor Day. He informed that voluntary blood donations form the foundation of a sustainable national blood transfusion programme and the viability of the soon to be established National Blood Transfusion Service, would depend on the generosity and benevolence of the healthy members of the society, the regular voluntary blood donors.
Dr. Nauman Mujahid, Deputy Programme Manager, NACP, presented a vote of thanks in the end. |
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| NACP holds HIV Advocacy Session with the Islamabad Traffic Police, Islamabad |
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| The National AIDS Control Programme conducted an awareness session with the Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) on April 21, 2009 at the ITP office, Islamabad. The session was chaired by Dr. Sultan Azam Temuri, Senior Superintendent Police, Islamabad Traffic Police, Islamabad. Dr. Hasan Abbas Zaheer, National Programme Manager, National AIDS Control Programme welcomed the participants and highlighted the role of National AIDS Control Programme in creating awareness on HIV & AIDS through out the country and enumerated the NACP efforts for prevention and control of HIV & AIDS in Pakistan. He emphasized the role of Police in creating awareness about HIV & AIDS in the society. Dr. Nashmia Mahmood, NACP, in her presentation briefed the participants about HIV & AIDS infection, its modes of transmission, preventive measures and treatment. She briefed that HIV is prevalent among high risk groups i.e. Injecting Drug Users and Commercial Sex Workers. Dr. Sultan Azam Temuri, SSP, Islamabad appreciated the National AIDS Control Programme for organizing HIV awareness and advocacy session with Islamabad Traffic Police and expressed his full support and cooperation to the NACP in creating awareness about HIV & AIDS amongst the public. It was also agreed that similar seminars would be held in future for the benefit of ITP staff. |
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| 2-week Blood Transfusion Course Organized by NACP Concludes |
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| A two week intensive training course on "Quality Management in Blood Transfusion Services" concluded on March 7, 2009, in Islamabad. The training was organized by the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) in Islamabad from February 23 to March 7, 2009, in collaboration with the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ). Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Course, Dr. Hasan Abbas Zaheer, National Programme Manager, NACP, highlighted the importance and significance of establishing a safe blood transfusion system in the country. Dr. Zaheer appreciated and acknowledged the GTZ support for organizing capacity building courses and workshops for the blood transfusion professionals. The 2-week Course was conducted by Prof. Dr. Smit Sibinga, Academic Institute for International Development of Transfusion Medicine, Groningen, Netherlands. 30 participants from all over Pakistan attended the course and included blood bank managers, hematologists and blood transfusion specialists. Participant from public sector included from all the four provinces, AJK, ICT, FATA and FANA. The private sector was represented by Hussani Blood Bank, Fatimid Foundation and Pakistan Red Crescent Society etc. Presently, the NACP is in the process of establishing a "National Blood Transfusion Service" in Pakistan, with the financial and technical assistance of the German government. This project will ensure nationwide universal access to safe blood for transfusion and reduce blood transfusion related mortality and morbidity in the country. The PC-1 of the project has been submitted to the Health Ministry for approval. Provincial PC-1s are also being finalized. The Quality Management Training course aimed at development of a core cadre of blood bank professionals to equip them to ensure proper and professional management of the proposed National Blood Transfusion Service project. Similar trainings on different aspects of blood transfusion service are to be held in all the provinces on a regular basis. |
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| Dissemination Ceremony of National Strategic Framework 2008 - 12 for Blood Transfusion Services in Pakistan" 25th February, 2009 Hotel Holiday Inn, Islamabad |
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| The National AIDS Control Programme, Ministry of Health is organizing a dissemination ceremony of "National Strategic Framework 2008 - 12 for Blood Transfusion Services in Pakistan" on 25th February, 2009 at 6:30pm at Hotel Holiday Inn, Islamabad. The said document has been developed by the NACP in collaboration with German Technical Cooperation (GTZ). Honorable Federal Minister for Health, Mr. Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani will be the Chief Guest of the dissemination ceremony. Opening remarks of the ceremony will be delivered by Prof. Dr. Rashid Jooma, Director General, Ministry of Health. Prof. Dr. Cees Th. Smit Sibinga, Academic Institute for International Development of Transfusion Medicine, Groningen, Netherlands, Mr. Thomas Schaef, Country Director, GTZ, Dr. Anna Chiristine Janke, Director, KFW and Dr. Hasan Abbas Zaheer, National Programme Manager will also address and highlight the importance, objectives and process that was adopted in the development this document. |
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| Govt Approved PC - 1 for NACP |
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| The planning commission has approved the PC-1 of Enhanced HIV & AIDS Control Programme, Ministry of Health. The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) met here on Saturday, 22nd November 2008 in Islamabad approved the PC 1 for NACP for the next five years. The total cost of the five year plan is Rs. 1.9 billion. The provincial PC 1s were also presented and approved with the conditionality to revise the cost with in one week. This could happen only due to keen interest and endeavor of Mr. Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani, Minister for Health whose leadership and guidance facilitated the process for approval of the PC -1 of NACP. The efforts of Mr. Suleman Ghani, Federal Secretary Health, are highly commendable in getting the approval of the PC-1. His continuous and zealous support for approval of PC-1 remained very helpful. Dr. Hasan Abbas Zaheer, the National Programme Manager, National AIDS Control Programme played a key and significant role in development and planning of the five years plan for NACP. Under the five year plan, NACP will scale up the coverage and activities to control the spread of HIV among most at risk groups. Under the PC 1, people living with HIV will be provided medical and social services to enjoy their life with out facing stigma and discrimination. This PC 1 will contribute a multisectoral, comprehensive and sustainable response to HIV that is based on evidence, transparency and accountability and involves the various line ministries, the civil society and the main target beneficiaries. |
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