ISLAMABAD: A national taskforce formed on the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to investigate the alleged mishandling of HIV-related issues in Pakistan has completed its deliberations and is expected to submit final recommendations to the premier within a week, officials said on Thursday.
The third and likely final meeting of the taskforce was held in Islamabad under the chairmanship of Minister of State for Health Dr Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath and co-chairperson Major General (retd) Dr Azhar Mahmood Kayani.
The session was attended by federal and provincial health authorities, technical experts and key stakeholders. Senior officials including Additional Secretary Health, Chief Executive Officer of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan Dr Obaidullah, and Vice Chancellor of the Health Services Academy Dr Shahzad Ali also participated in the meeting.
According to officials familiar with the proceedings, the taskforce reviewed factors contributing to the surge in HIV cases across the country. Discussions also focused on institutional performance and the enforcement of laws related to disposable and autodisable syringes.
The taskforce further decided to circulate a draft National Public Health Law among members for consensus building. The proposed legislation is expected to strengthen disease surveillance, mandatory reporting, outbreak response coordination and data-sharing mechanisms nationwide.