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So far, more than 600 HIV cases have been identified.
An international team of experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) arrived in Pakistan Tuesday to support the response to a HIV epidemic in Larkana in the province of Sind.
According to a WHO official, the team arrived here at the request of the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination.
He added that the main tasks of the WHO-led team will include determining the source of the epidemic and controlling it, providing technical expertise, particularly in the areas of screening. HIV, pediatric HIV treatment and family counseling, and to ensure sufficient stocks of rapid diagnostic tests and antiretrovirals. medicines for adults and children, as well as needles and disposable syringes.
WHO's mission included experts in emergency response management, epidemiology, HIV-related clinical care and infection prevention and control by WHO staff, as well as HIV prevention and control. Global Alert and Response Network for Outbreaks (GOARN).
The team will work closely with the Ministry of Health and its partners, including Aga Khan University, Pakistan Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program (FELTP), UNAIDS and UNICEF in Larkana. .
The outbreak was first reported on April 25, 2019, and a major HIV testing program was launched on April 28th.
It was extended on May 8 with the deployment of additional health workers and tests are underway.
So far, more than 600 HIV cases have been identified. The majority are children and youth, with more than half of those affected being children under five.
He added that this poses a particular challenge. Prior to this outbreak, just over 1,200 children were diagnosed with HIV and receiving antiretroviral therapy throughout Pakistan.
On May 16, local authorities established a new antiretroviral treatment center for children in Larkana.
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