Citizens have been advised to acquire proper knowledge about HIV transmission and adopt preventive measures to protect themselves from the virus, an official of the Common Management Unit (CMU), Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, said.
Citizens urged to learn facts on HIV transmission, prevention
ISLAMABAD, Nov 15 (APP):Citizens have been advised to acquire proper knowledge about HIV transmission and adopt preventive measures to protect themselves from the virus, an official of the Common Management Unit (CMU), Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, said.
He said that numerous myths and misconceptions about HIV persisted in society, while even many educated people had limited knowledge of how the virus spreads and how it could be prevented.
The official emphasized that HIV does not spread through casual contact, including handshakes, hugging, sharing food, using common toilets, or sitting and working alongside people living with HIV.
He said the virus is primarily transmitted through unprotected special contact, contaminated needles and syringes, infected blood and from an HIV-positive mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
He stressed that awareness about actual transmission routes was essential to dispel misconceptions, prevent unnecessary fear and eliminate the stigma and discrimination faced by people living with HIV.
The official urged people to adopt safe practices, avoid sharing needles and syringes, ensure the use of screened blood and seek timely HIV testing to know their status.
He said that HIV was a manageable condition with effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), enabling people living with the virus to lead healthy and productive lives.
He called for collective efforts to replace misinformation with scientific facts and promote understanding, dignity and equal access to testing, treatment and healthcare for all.
