Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2006. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
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Reuters (12.05.2006) - Friday, December 15, 2006
"We are committed for a strong program to combat HIV/AIDS, especially among [IDU]," Mohammed Naseer Khan, Pakistan's health minister, said recently during a UN conference on IDU and HIV/AIDS. According to the UN Office on Drugs and Crimes, opium production in Afghanistan is 50 percent higher than last year.
"Today in Afghanistan, you have the highest production of opium to date," said Khan. "Ten years ago it nearly reached zero. So that's a huge concern for Pakistan. More has to be done by the government of Afghanistan, and also all the donor agencies and coalition forces to stop that production."
Pakistan has recorded 3,566 HIV cases, including more than 300 who have AIDS. A more accurate figure could be several times higher, experts said. Khan said public information about HIV/AIDS is important to stemming the country's epidemic. "We don't have to be pornographic about HIV/AIDS, but we must tell our children what it is and how to stay away from it," he said.
"In Pakistan, we do not shy away from our responsibilities," said Khan, noting his nation has a strong HIV/AIDS program. The disease affects not only IDUs, but children, too, he said.
A senior UN official said NATO forces have been asked to step up opium eradication efforts. "Our program of poppy eradication, of course, is not yielding the results required," said Jan Vandemoortele, UN resident coordinator in Pakistan.
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