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.