PESHAWAR, May 29 (DNA):Members AIDS Control Network, an initiative of Da Hawa Lur, a non-governmental organization, have proposed key measures for meaningful inclusion of transgender community in the National HIV-AIDs Control Programme.
The suggestions were presented during an exploratory visit of AIDs Control Network to the Family Care Centre at Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar here on Thursday.
During the visit, representatives of AIDs Control Programme shared details about treatment being provided at the 13 centres established at divisional level of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Members AIDs Control Programme were informed that the total number of registered AIDs patients in KP is around 6500 out of which 176 are transgender.
The patients are availing free of cost treatment facility, including tests, medicines and psychological counselling.
Speaking on the occasion, Shawana Shah, Programme Director Da Hawa Lur said the AIDs Control Network has been set up with the objective of curbing spread of HIV through proposing policy reforms.
Arzoo, an activist and transgender rights activist, suggested for focusing on increasing awareness among trans community about facility of free treatment under HIV-AIDs Control Programme.
She said transgender need psychological counselling for patients and community members as well for acceptance of the patients.
Most of the transgender do not come for testing of HIV-AIDs because of stigma associated with the diseases and harsh reaction of community members in case of diagnosis of infection in a person.
Arzoo demanded segregated treatment facility comprising of a single room or a couple of beds for transgender in hospitals where they can visit and get treatment with ease of mind.
She also advocated for provision of essential food to HIV infected patients because of their inability to earn money and survive.
A suggestion was also floated for announcing a stipend for those transgender who are getting treatment for HIV-AIDs.
Heer, a transgender who worked with an NGO and convinced more than 50 transgender for blood tests and getting enrolled in the programme, proposed setting up of a transgender specific dispensary at district level.
He said due to lack of any reserved health facility for transgender, they avoid visiting hospital and only go when illness becomes sever.
Dr. Adnan Fida, Treatment Coordinator Family Care Centre HMC suggested for approaching PLWHA (Persons Living with HIV-AIDS) for provision of facilities to transgender in getting treatment.
A participant proposed enhancement of community outreach by appointing transgender in the programme at district levels.
He said there are around 60 to 70,000 transgender in KP and reaching to them without involvement of community members is not possible.
Divisional Coordinator AIDs Control Programme, Dr. Nafeesa Khattak told participants that all possible measures would be taken for inclusion of transgender community in the programme.
She said the suggestion presented during the visit will be given due consideration and presented at relevant forums for appropriate action for protection of this highly marginalized and vulnerable community.
