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Of 751 HIV patients, 364 children and 63 untreated adults; Drug stocks end July 15: WHO report
According to the WHO report, the number of HIV-positive patients in Larkana is 751, including 604 children. He says that only 324 patients have received treatment so far, while 427 are still waiting for medical assistance. PHOTO: EXPRESS / FILE
A report prepared by experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) who are in Pakistan to investigate the HIV epidemic in Larkana revealed that more than half of Sindh's patients are still private from all kinds of processing facilities, Express news reported Saturday.
An international team of WHO experts arrived in Pakistan in late May to investigate the HIV epidemic in Ratodero (Larkana) and to help local authorities respond to the medical emergency.
57 new cases of HIV in Larkana
The first report of the team presented at WHO headquarters in Geneva brings to 751 the number of people affected, including 604 children.
It indicates that only 324 patients – 47% – have benefited from treatment until now, while 427 – 53% – are still waiting for medical assistance.
According to the report, providing the necessary medicines is a major challenge, as Pakistan has only stocks to treat 240 of the 604 affected children.
He further indicated that stocks of drugs used to treat 240 children from different hospitals would only last until July 15.
The WHO team is working in Pakistan at the request of the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination.
The mission includes experts in emergency response management, epidemiology, HIV clinical care and infection prevention and control, as well as the Global Alert and Response Network. Action in case of epidemic (GOARN).
The team worked closely with the Ministry of Health and its partners, including Aga Khan University, the Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program in Pakistan, UNAIDS and UNICEF in Larkana. .
In a previous Press release, The WHO said the HIV epidemic in Sindh was first reported on April 25 and that a major HIV testing program was then launched on April 28th.
HIV epidemic causes panic in Ratodero, Larkana
The program was extended on 8 May and WHO reported that "the majority of [cases] among children and young people: more than half of those affected are children under 5 years old. "
As stated in the statement, the main tasks of the WHO-led team "include identifying the source of the epidemic and controlling it; provide technical expertise, particularly in the areas of HIV testing, pediatric HIV treatment and family counseling; and ensure sufficient stocks of rapid diagnostic tests and antiretroviral drugs for adults and children, as well as needles and single-use syringes. "
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