Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2008. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - December 12, 2008
Teresita Usapdin, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, in Lahore
Hundreds of people - including police officers, anti-narcotics forces, medical personnel, university professors, students and HIV-positive individuals - turned up "To keep the promise to Stop AIDS" at events organized by the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) and partner organizations in the three cities.
"Our efforts are paying off," says Dr Adnan Saeed, secretary of the PRCS Lahore branch, who claims that PRCS was among the first organizations to recognize the deadly threat of HIV and AIDS. They were the first to set up the Voluntary Confidential Counselling and Testing Centre in the city in March 2004, with the support of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). Since the centre opened, a total of 18,695 clients have received counselling, according to Dr. Adnan.
"Much work is still left to be done, though," admits Dr. Adnan. "HIV is a silent killer. We should always be on red alert and keep warning everyone about its fatal effects."
New hope
Ejaz is HIV-positive, and has found new hope in the PRCS centre. He contracted HIV four years ago while working abroad, and his wife left him after he was diagnosed. Helpless and hopeless, Ejaz attempted to commit suicide several times before someone referred him to PRCS.
"It took time to make him understand and accept the situation," says PRCS psychologist Shazad Majid. "But after constant follow up, Ejaz finally realized it's not yet the end of world and he started to ælive' again with his two daughters, aged eight and five."
"Thankfully, both of my children are HIV-negative," says Ejaz, giving both his children a hug.
In an emotional speech before a large audience on World AIDS Day, Ejaz said: "I had made the biggest mistake in my life that caused me to get this deadly virus; it broke my family." "That mistake is irreparable but I have learned to live with it thanks to the PRCS and the people who have supported me. Now I can talk freely about it."
"I want you to learn from my mistake. HIV/AIDS is a dangerous enemy. Help me spread the dangers of HIV/AIDS so that others may live," he added.
We have to beat it
Saleem Shika, 40, and Muhammad Arshed, 42, are two more people living with HIV in Lahore. Like Ejaz, they contracted the virus while working abroad. But unlike Ejaz, their wives stand by them. Both their wives and children remain HIV negative.
"We should not be afraid of HIV/AIDS," says Asfanash, wife of Ashred. "We have to beat it or it will kill us all."
Fayyaz, 42, is a haemophilic patient who contracted the HIV virus from contaminated blood. He was depressed when he learned about it, but his wife and two children, who are all free of the virus, are giving him their full support and care. "They are my strength, my best medicine," says Fayyaz putting his arms around his wife Shazia who gave him an affectionate glance.
Like Ejaz, Saleem Shika, Muhammad Arshed and Fayyaz are talking about their plight. They, too, want to save other people's lives. "Talking about HIV and AIDS is the best way to stop it," says Saleem Shika as he fixes the red ribbon on his shirt.
Shukiragul, another HIV-positive individual who was a regular client of the PRCS centre, has made several steps forward. According to Fauzia, the female PRCS psychologist who used to counsel her, Shukiragul organized the Pakistan Plus Society in 2005 to bring together all of the HIV-positive people in Lahore to fight HIV and AIDS together.
"World AIDS Day is a regular affair here in Lahore," says Fauzia, who finds fulfilment in her counselling job.
"AIDS must be stopped. We should be more vigilant. We should come together as often as we can to keep our promise to stop AIDS. Do you agree?" Fauzia is talking to the youth surrounding her, all wearing red ribbons.
"We agree," answer the youth in unison. To re-affirm their commitment, the youngsters put their hands together and pledge, "We shall stop AIDS. We promise."
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