Punjab Aids Control Program Awards Scholarships To Researchers

01/12/16

The Punjab AIDS Control Program (PACP) awarded scholarships to Ph.D and M. Phil students carrying out research on AIDS on World AIDS Day at a local hotel here on Thursday. The World AIDS Day is celebrated around the world on 1st December every year. Program Director PACP Dr. Adnan Zafar awarded scholarship to 15 Ph.d and 21 M.Phil students who are doing their research on AIDS. The students are doing research in Pakistan’s leading universities i.e. LUMS, University of the Punjab and Govt. College University among others. Besides awarding scholarship to researchers, the PACP also organized technical sessions of renowned figures from academia who shared their researches on strategies to combat the disease, development of vaccination, drugs discovery, epidemiological and other areas. The guest speakers included Prof. Shahzad-ul-Hussan, Prof. Shaper Mirza and Dr. Salma. 

Dr. Adnan Zafar said: “Over a period of time it was realized that data analysis and research on the subject are key areas for overcoming the challenges of HIV transmission in Pakistan. Supporting research will go a long way in helping us control HIV in Pakistan.” He also said that PACP is also running consultative and diagnostic centers for HIV/AID Sat different locations. 

He highlighted that the program was continuously trying to expand its research resource and employing multi-pronged strategies to curb and control the diseases. Dr. Adnan also highlighted that PACP is working on the finalization of databank of infection careers for which screening of truck drivers and cleaners has been started. He further said PACP was effectively developing synergies with other programs to ensure compliance with hospital waste management protocols, controlling of reuse of disposable syringes and creating awareness for barbers, dentists regarding sterilization of tools before use.