PESHAWAR, Sep 12 (APP):Women parliamentarians have called for strengthened HIV/AIDS prevention and response measures and greater access to inclusive healthcare services to improve the health and well-being of marginalized communities, particularly women and transgender people, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Speaking at a meeting of the Provincial AIDS Network, the parliamentarians stressed the need for comprehensive awareness and educational programmes, saying that according to a survey, more than 70 percent of respondents …
Women parliamentarians call for improved healthcare for marginalized communities in KP
PESHAWAR, Sep 12 (APP):Women parliamentarians have called for strengthened HIV/AIDS prevention and response measures and greater access to inclusive healthcare services to improve the health and well-being of marginalized communities, particularly women and transgender people, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Speaking at a meeting of the Provincial AIDS Network, the parliamentarians stressed the need for comprehensive awareness and educational programmes, saying that according to a survey, more than 70 percent of respondents lacked basic knowledge about HIV transmission, increasing the risk of infection.
The meeting was organized by Da Hawwa Lur (Daughter of Eve), a non-governmental organization working to promote gender equality.
Female parliamentarians including Shazia Tehmas, Amina Sardar, Rehana Ismail, Aiman Jalil, Meher Sultana and Ashar Jan Jadoon attended the meeting, which was also participated by CEO Da Hawwa Lur Madam Khurshid Bano, transgender activist Arzoo and Association of People Living with HIV (APLHIV) representative Nayyar Mujeeb.
In her presentation, Aleena, Public Health Associate at Da Hawwa Lur, briefed participants about recommendations contained in a Charter of Demands prepared by the organization to improve healthcare services in the province.
She said the Charter of Demands would be submitted to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly’s Standing Committee on Health for consideration and possible incorporation into provincial health policies to ensure inclusive healthcare for all segments of society.
Speaking on the occasion, Programme Director Da Hawwa Lur Shawana Shah said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa faced significant challenges in responding to HIV/AIDS due to low public awareness, inadequate healthcare facilities and persistent stigma and discrimination.
She stressed the need for targeted policies and programmes to strengthen HIV prevention and treatment and improve the overall health and well-being of populations at greater risk of HIV infection.
After the presentation, the women parliamentarians put forward several suggestions for improving HIV prevention, treatment and protection of vulnerable communities.
MPA Ashar Jan Jadoon suggested blood screening of couples before marriage to help prevent transmission of HIV and protect future generations.
Shazia Tehmas called for effective screening at airports to prevent the entry of people infected with HIV into the country.
MPA Rehana Ismail stressed the need for implementation of the Health Minister’s directives regarding allocation of a separate ward in hospitals for the treatment of transgender people.
Transgender activist Arzoo called for creating livelihood opportunities for the transgender community, saying restrictions on their performances at public gatherings had reduced their sources of income and, according to her, increased their vulnerability to sex work.
Nayyar Mujeeb of APLHIV called for training doctors and healthcare staff in the proper treatment and management of people living with HIV at hospitals and clinics.
The meeting was informed that implementation of 0.5 percent job quota for transgender person has opened a window for the community members to get jobs in different government departments
