HIV/AIDS: State & Society – Denial vs Reality
» Pakistan is witnessing a concerning rise in HIV/AIDS cases, especially in young children. Government financing is too small, dependence on international aid is proportionally too large and governance of the program is extremely weak. The health care system itself is spreading the infection. The challange however goes far beyond hospitals and doctors. Reality is that no epidemic can be contained without citizens awareness, responsibility and involvement.
This session explores the gap between denial and reality; how to destigmatize HIV/AIDS; and how do misinformation, silence, and social attitudes contribute to its spread? What role must both the state and society play in prevention, awareness, and care of those already afflicted?
Moving beyond blame game, this conversation focuses on shared responsibility — where governance, public health system, and community behavior intersect.
An essential dialogue on public health, understanding, and collective responsibility.
About the Speaker:
Dr. Zafar Mirza is a public health professional with extensive leadership experience in national and global health systems. He served as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of Pakistan for Health and Minister of State at the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination from 2019 to 2020. Previously, he was Director of Healthcare System Development at the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean. His work focuses on health system strengthening, universal health coverage, and public health policy.
This session is free and open to all. Just visit the venue to attend it.
The Black Hole
Plot 5H, Street 100, G-11/3, Islamabad.
Click here for Google Maps Location
