Imagine a world where silence fuels a growing health crisis. That's the stark reality in Punjab, where HIV/AIDS cases are on the rise, and experts are sounding the alarm. But here's where it gets controversial: is the lack of accurate data and open dialogue exacerbating the problem? Leading medical professionals are urging the Punjab government to shift their focus—to prioritize gathering reliable information and promoting factual knowledge about HIV/AIDS. This call to action came during an awareness seminar organized by the Department of Community Medicine at Fatima Jinnah Medical University (FJMU) in observance of World AIDS Day.
The event shed light on the root causes of HIV/AIDS cases, with a spotlight on the dangerous practices of unlicensed medical practitioners, often referred to as 'quacks.' Distinguished guests, including FJMU Vice Chancellor Prof Khalid Masood Gondal, Punjab Human Organ Transplant Authority Administrator Prof Aamer Zaman Khan, and Dr. Abdul Majid from The Royal Australasian College of Family Medicine, emphasized the urgency of breaking the 'decades-old silence' surrounding the disease.
Dr. Qurat-ul-Ain, representing the Punjab AIDS Control Programme, provided a comprehensive overview of the current HIV/AIDS situation in Pakistan, particularly in Punjab. Dr. Fizza Gilani, through a video message, underscored the critical importance of prevention, while Dr. Saima Abbas shared technical insights with the audience.
And this is the part most people miss: Prof Gondal stressed that timely diagnosis, safe practices, and dispelling myths are not just medical necessities—they are societal imperatives. He warned against the dangers of quackery, noting that ignorance and substandard treatment often worsen the condition. In a significant announcement, he revealed that FJMU will launch a PhD nursing program in its Department of Infectious Diseases by 2026 and strengthen its Department of Family Medicine.
Dr. Majid reinforced the role of preventive measures in controlling AIDS and praised the collaboration between the CPSP and FJMU, pledging continued efforts to advance family medicine in Pakistan. The seminar also marked the launch of Dr. Fizza Gilani’s new book, Enhancing HIV Care Capacity in Pakistan, adding a valuable resource to the fight against the disease.
The event drew a diverse crowd, including Principal Prof Abdul Hameed, Undergraduate Dean Prof Bilquis Shabbir, Prof Taskeen Zahra, faculty members, nurses, and students, who actively engaged in a thought-provoking question-and-answer session.
Here’s the question we need to ask ourselves: Can Punjab truly tackle the HIV/AIDS crisis without addressing the stigma and misinformation head-on? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s start a conversation that could save lives.
