Daily Times

KARACHI: As many as 46 sexually transmitted infection (STI) centres under Sindh Aids Control Programme (SACP) are non functional, resulting alarming rise in HIV/AIDS cases, Daily Times has learnt.

According to official sources, differences prevail between authorities concerned for utilising Rs 800 million budget, for awareness and treatment of HIV/AIDS. It is learnt HIV/AIDS cases are growing in province.

Sources said that there are 80 activities out of 127 held in the month of June this year with a cost of Rs 0.5 million for activities to meet the formalities, but the differences between officials developed over the commission after removal of behavioral community coordinator.

Sindh AIDS Control Programme has completely failed to control the growing menace of HIV/AIDS cases in Sindh, number of cases swelled to 80,000 unregistered, while registered patients are 8517. Sources said that the patients are deprived of health services and other assistance despite spending millions of rupees by the Sindh AIDS Control Programme

Sources further informed that Sindh AIDS Control Programme had established 46 STI clinics and treatment centres in Sindh for facilitation of HIV/AIDS patients but these STI clinics are non functional since long due to carelessness and in competency of concerned authorities.

They said that the number of HIV/AIDS cases is growing unabated whereas government is not serious to cope with increasing cases and provide required facilities to effected people.

The representatives of civil society has demanded of the Sindh chief minister, NAB chairman and anti-corruption authorities to probe into the corruption of HIV/AIDS officials and provide the relief to patients, while sources disclosed that PC 1 of Rs 637 million had been approved by Sindh government.