Larkana HIV outbreak: WHO team arrives in Pakistan
A team of experts from the World Health Organization, WHO, have arrived in Pakistan to support and investigate the cause of HIV outbreak in Larkana, Sindh, Pakistan.
The team arrived at the request of the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination and will be working with the ministry and partners, including the Aga Khan University, Pakistan’s Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program (FELTP), UNAIDS and UNICEF in Larkana.
Key tasks for the team of experts will include researching the source of the outbreak and controlling it. Technical expertise will be provided in the areas of HIV testing, pediatric HIV treatment and family counseling and ensuring adequate supplies of rapid diagnostic tests and antiretroviral medicines for both adults and children, as well as single-use needles and syringes.
Around 681 people, of which 53 children from two to 12 years of age, have been tested positive for HIV in Rato Dero, Sindh. The outbreak was first reported on April 25th, 2019 following which a major HIV screening programme was launched on April 28th.
