The Sindh government has announced financial support and healthcare assistance for children affected by HIV and their families.
Sindh Minister for Labour and Social Protection Saeed Ghani said that parents of affected children will receive monthly financial aid ranging from Rs40,000 to Rs80,000, while a Rs2 billion endowment fund has been established to support their treatment and welfare.
Saeed Ghani made these remarks during a meeting in Karachi with a three-member delegation led by Human Rights Commission of Pakistan Vice Chairperson Qazi Khizar.
During the meeting, the minister said that a Rs2 billion endowment fund has been established for the welfare of HIV-affected children.
He added that an independent and autonomous board is being formed to ensure the transparent use of the fund.
A special committee comprising leading doctors from across the country will also be established to oversee the treatment of the affected children.
The minister said that HIV has so far been confirmed in 120 children, of whom 81 are registered with Social Security, while 39 are unregistered. He said treatment of the affected children is ongoing at major government hospitals in Karachi and other leading healthcare facilities.
Saeed Ghani said that an inquiry committee was formed immediately after HIV cases were reported. The first investigation report confirmed HIV in 16 children, while the final report held 10 individuals responsible. In the second investigation report, 37 people were found responsible, and show-cause notices and final notices have already been issued to them.
The minister assured that the affected children and their families would not be left alone under any circumstances.
