Category: News

Consultation with Religious Leaders on the Role of Opioid Agonist Maintenance Therapy (OAMT) in Combating the HIV Epidemic. The consultation was convened by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony (M/o RA & IH) in collaboration with CMU Ministry of NHSR&C and Ministry of Narcotics and UNAIDS. The consultation was chaired by Additional Secretary Minstry of RA& IFH, Dr. Syed Atta-ur-Rehman and addressed by Deputy Secretary Ministry of Narcotics , Mr. Abdul Salam Khetran, Director Controlled Drugs Division , Dr. Noor Muhammad Shah, National Coordinator CMU, Dr. Qasim Abbas and Key Religious Leaders emphasising the urgency and sustainability of OAMT in the country for prevention of HIV.

A Meeting was held under the Chairmanship of Special Secretary at M/o NHSR&C, dated 23rd Dec. 2024, regarding quota allocation/ import permit for the procurement of Tab. Buprenorphine under the Global Fund grant for OAMT implementation.
The purpose of the meeting was to review & agree on the import/ consignee and way forward on the subject cited above. The meeting was attended by representatives from CMU (NC & Prevention Specialist HIV-AIDS), UNAIDS (Country Director & Strategic Information Advisor), DRAP (Director & Deputy Ditector Controlled Substances) and UNDP (Assistant Resident Representative & National Programme Specialist).

The National TB Programme’s Q2 and Q3 2024 review in Islamabad, chaired by the National Coordinator CMU, focused on data accuracy, reporting delays, and service delivery gaps. The Deputy National Coordinator for TB, along with key members of the CMU team, actively participated in the session. Key stakeholders discussed enhancing data systems, addressing operational challenges, and improving diagnostic and treatment access to accelerate progress toward TB elimination goals.

Islamabad, 20th December, 2024 – In a significant milestone for Pakistan’s healthcare landscape, the Honourable Coordinator to the Prime Minister for Health Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath presided over an event marking the distribution of mobile vans and refrigerated trucks to bolster HIV response efforts across the country. Honourable Coordinator also acknowledged the invaluable support of the Global Fund, whose sustained funding has enabled us to implement impactful HIV response programs across the country. He also acknowledged the leadership of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for their dedication and strategic vision in managing these projects. He also appreciated the leadership of CMU and congratulated the management. Their interactive approach and ability to address systemic and structural challenges have been crucial to our progress. Today, we celebrate a transformative step forward with the handover of mobile vans and cold storage trucks. This initiative exemplifies our shared commitment to making HIV prevention and treatment services more accessible to all communities, particularly those in remote and underserved areas.

This initiative exemplifies the power of partnerships. Under the guidance of the Honourable Coordinator to the Prime Minister for Health, we are not just delivering resources; we are delivering hope. UN Resident Coordinator Dr. Samuel Rizk, and the UNDP team was also appreciated for their incredible efforts and collaboration in making this initiative a reality. Your commitment to improving health service delivery for underserved and vulnerable communities is truly commendable.These vehicles symbolize our renewed commitment to a healthier and more inclusive Pakistan,” said the National Coordinator-CMU Dr Qasim Abbas.

Meeting of National Coordinator CMU and Advisor Malaria with the Director General Health Services and Additional Director General Health Services Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Peshawar on 12 Dec 2024 to discuss about planned Insecticide Treated Nets mass campaign in Merged Areas, finalise districts for the campaign and date for the Provincial Coordination Committee Meeting.

Today dated 5th Dec, 2024, CMU technical team, held a meeting under the chair of National Coordinator, CMU, with WHO Country Office team, comprised of Dr Narra, Public Health Specialist (Disease Control), cluster lead for both the Communicable (TB, HIV, Malaria) & Non-communicable diseases and Dr Laeeq Ahmad, NPO (TB). WCO team was apprised on CMU TB performance through a brief presentation and a detailed discussion was done on the current challenges and way forward including roll out of, Gene Xpert machines, digital Xrays with AI and shorter treatment regimens for MDR TB and TPT. Dr Nara showed her interest for more close collaboration and WCO active engagement in CMU, MAF initiative for engaging all relevant stakeholders for TB prevention and care and Prime initiative for robust epidemiological review and National and provincial Strategic Plans development. It was decided that the MAF and Prime initiatives will be conducted during first quarter 2025 for further roll out across the country. The National Coordinator appreciates the ongoing technical support of WHO and emphasized on future close collaboration.

Special editions/supplements in leading newspapers for World AIDS Day 2024, featuring messages from the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Health, and the Federal Secretary of the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination.

The Global Fund Office of Inspector General (OIG) conducted a fact-checking meeting with the CMU team on November 19, 2024, for the 2024 Audit. OIG presented its findings, followed by detailed discussions addressing key issues, ensuring accuracy and transparency. Collaborative efforts aimed to enhance audit outcomes and strengthen accountability measures.

A strategic meeting with BMGF was held, involving the Common Management Unit, provincial teams, and technical partners. Dr. Qasim Abbas, National Coordinator-CMU, participated alongside Mr. Guy Stallworthy from BMGF in Bali, Indonesia. Discussions centered on strengthening health systems, integrating innovative solutions, and advancing collaborative efforts for enhanced disease control and public health outcomes.