LAHORE: The Punjab AIDS Control Programme has formally introduced a new medicine for the prevention of HIV/AIDS here on Friday.

The new medicine has been introduced as part of the Pre Exposure Prophylaxis Program (PrEP) and will help stop the transmission of HIV/AIDS virus from one person to another. The PrEP was launched at a ceremony organised by the Punjab AIDS Control Programme at a local hotel.

Additional Secretary Vertical Programs Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department Asim Raza, Dr Yadullah from Hepatitis Control Program, experts on infectious diseases and epidemiologists also attended the event.

The keynote speakers included Program Director PACP Dr Awais Gohar, representative of World Health Organization Dr Irfan, representative of UNDP Ms Heather Doyle and representative of UNAIDS Dr Rajwal.

It will help stop transmission of virus from one person to another

Dr Awais Gohar said the launch of the PrEP was an important milestone for Punjab. “PrEP will be extremely useful in healthcare settings while healthcare staff engaged in complex surgeries of HIV/AIDS patients shall greatly benefit from this initiative,” he said. He added that the medicine would be available free of cost at all centres of the Punjab AIDS Control Programme.

Dr Awais said the PrEP medicines were already available to healthcare workers in case of accidental pricks. “Now PrEP medicine will reduce the risk of virus transmission for those intending to perform surgical procedures,” he said.

UNAIDS representative Dr Rajwal said that due to advancement in research, new developments were taking place in the field of medicine every day. He said the introduction of PrEP would prove to be very important in stopping the spread of the disease.

“Although there is no vaccine available for HIV/AIDS, there are effective medicines available by use of which a patient can lead a normal life,” said Dr Rajwal.

Treatment coordinator PACP Dr Atif said HIV/AIDS virus transmits through blood and body fluids. This medicine would save people at greater risk of contracting the virus, he said.

Dr Irfan welcomed the introduction of the new medicine and assured full support to the Punjab government from the WHO.

Asim Raza said prevention through awareness was the most effective strategy to stop the spread of infectious diseases.

Published in Dawn, October 15th, 2022