Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said the protection of health is a fundamental civil right and providing equal opportunities for prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care, especially to vulnerable and marginalised groups, remains a priority of the government.

In a message on World AIDS Day being observed on Monday, he said Pakistan joined the international community in reaffirming, with a strong voice, its resolve to eliminate major challenges such as AIDS to public health and to ensure protection from this disease for all.

In this context, he said the federal government, in collaboration with provincial governments, is committed to ensuring that initiatives at the local level yield meaningful results.

This year, the day was being observed under the theme “Overcoming Barriers and Changing the Attitude Towards AIDS.”

This theme highlighted the importance of confronting new challenges with renewed determination, he said, adding it reminded them that despite obstacles, diseases, difficulties and social inequalities, their commitment to protecting the health, dignity and respect of all citizens should remain unwavering.

The HIV epidemic, he said, while testing the effectiveness and performance of health systems worldwide, also reminded them to formulate comprehensive strategies to combat this disease and further strengthen their health systems.