Community Awareness Programme on HIV/AIDS

According to UNAIDS estimates, some 70,000 to 80,000 persons, or 0.1 percent of the adult population in Pakistan, are infected with HIV although cases reported to the National AIDS Control Programme are less. Though the prevalence of this epidemic  remains low, timely action for prevention and mass awareness about the disease is very much needed.

The project targets male and female community members residing in the semi-urban areas in Punjab and Sindh. Due to the social taboos and cultural norms of Pakistani society, rural and semi-urban communities are often left in a vacuum regarding access to knowledge on HIV/AIDS. Awareness sessions are held, during which information material in local languages is also distributed. Young people are targeted through awareness sessions & inter school competitions.