Daily Times

Three more cases of HIV were detected in children on Monday, as 80 people were tested at the screening camp working since April 25 at Taluka Headquarter Hospital. HIV Treatment Centre built by UNICEF here was to be inaugurated on Monday by the PPP chairman, but it has been postponed due to his sudden departure for Islamabad to attend the joint parliament’s session being held today (Tuesday). So far 808 children have emerged during last over three months testing process after the outbreak was reported in early April, 2019. However, when Sindh AIDS Control Program (SACP) Manager Dr. Sikandar Memon was contacted to confirm surfacing of today’s cases and obtain accurate data, his both cellular numbers were found off as he must be taking rest after hearing postponement of inauguration of Treatment Centre by Bilawal.

However, DT learnt that the Vice Chancellor, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University (SMBBMU), has not so far signed MoU with Brown University, USA, delivered to her through her additional registrar which is lying on her table.

It must also be mentioned here that after the outbreak, Sindh Government is constantly avoiding to provide required facilities to the affected children and adults resulting deaths. SACP has not arranged a single seminar or workshop for awareness and all is being done by international donors, either by WHO or by UNICEF.

A senior doctor told this scribe on condition of not disclosing his identity that services of one woman have been hired on monthly lucrative amount through an NGO who is wife of the doctor posted as incharge ART Centre in Larkana and she has no previous expertise whatsoever in the field of HIV/AIDS which means viral deadly and dreaded disease has been made a source of handsome income.