World AIDS Day: Street children most vulnerable in Pakistan

World AIDS Day: Street children most vulnerable in Pakistan

World AIDS Day: Street children most vulnerable in Pakistan
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World AIDS day is celebrated on December 1st, every year and this year theme of the day is “”Ending the HIV/AIDS Epidemic: Community by Community.”

AIDS (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome) is a pandemic disease caused due to the infection of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which causes damage to the immune system.

A Burundi woman called Jeanne was the first person to disclose that she was living with HIV, Twenty-five years ago. Today, Jeanne is holding leaders accountable and fighting for the right to health care.

Modern day medical sciences already found treatments for HIV, and there are various formulas have been also taken to fight against discrimination and to safeguard HIV patients with proper treatments.

Still, there are millions of HIV patients, who still do not have access to tests, treatments and medications for HIV. So it is important to observe the day. It will act as a reminder for all that HIV still exists and we need to fight together to end this the disease. This year the theme for the World Aids Day 2019 is “Ending the HIV/AIDS Epidemic: Community by Community.”

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History

World AIDS Day was first observed in 1988. And each year, different organizations across the world bring attention to the HIV epidemic, endeavor to increase HIV awareness and knowledge.

According to World Health Organization, “37.9 million people living with HIV at the end of 2018, 79 percent received testing, 62 percent received treatment, and 53 percent had achieved suppression of the HIV virus with reduced risk of infecting others.”

2.8 million Were children aged 0-18 years. Each day, approximately 980 children became infected with HIV. Nearly 320 children died from AIDS related causes. Mostly because of inadequate access to HIV prevention, care and treatment services.

Street children vulnerable to AIDS

There are approximately 100 million street children across the globe. In Pakistan, estimated 1.5 million children are living on streets in highly vulnerable condition.

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National AIDS control program conducted a detailed research and survey in 2006, in corporation with Azad Foundation Pakistan related to street children as highly vulnerable group at risk for HIV/ AIDS.

The research was conducted by Dr Faran Emmanuel – Independent Epidemiologist and principal investigator, Farah Iqbal and Naveed Khan – Co-Investigator. After three years of research the report concluded;

  • In Pakistan, 35% children just hear about the disease
  • 25% knew that HIV spread through sexual intercourse
  • 17% knew that HIV can also spread through use of unclean needles and syringes
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  • Only 2% knew that blood and bi product can also be a reason
  • An overall 71% of the children did not know of any protective measure
  •  06% of the children had incorrect information regarding ways to protect against HIV

Ratodero out Break

Meanwhile, an outbreak of HIV reported in Ratodero, Larkana Sindh  this year, and till date general screening for HIV has been done 37,272 individuals from general population in Ratodero.

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Till now 1,181 have suspected HIV positive during this screening. There are 941 children and 240 adults.

All suspected HIV cases were referred to HIV Treatment center for confirmation. Till date 754 Children have been confirmed positive and linked to HIV Treatment center. Similarly, 141 adults have been declared HIV positive and linked HIV treatment center.

 

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