Beacon Foundation Research and Development

Primary Work Experience

Mapping and Integrated Biological & Behavioral Surveillance (IBBS) for key Population in Faisalabad by AP Consultants/Bridge Consultants Foundation in collaboration with Punjab AIDS Control Program (2016)

It was a cross-sectional behavioral and biological survey of four Key Populations (IDU, FSW’s, MSW’s and HSW’s) in selected cities of Punjab to analyze the key socio-demographic characteristics, behaviors & HIV prevalence (Integrated Behavioral & Biological Surveillance) of KP’s.

2015 – 16 HIV/AIDS Surveillance National and Provincial AIDS Control Program Round (IV) by Bahria University/Bridge Consultants Foundation in collaboration with Punjab AIDS Control Program, Government of Punjab health department (2015 – 16)

It was a cross-sectional behavioral and biological survey of four Key Populations (IDU, FSW’s, MSW’s and HSW’s) in selected cities of Punjab, Sindh and KPK to analyze the key socio-demographic characteristics, behaviors & HIV prevalence (Integrated Behavioral & Biological Surveillance) of KP’s.

The main objectives of the study were:

To provide accurate information on size and characteristics of KP through geographic & network mapping in selected cities of Punjab
To estimate (HIV) sero-prevelance among the KP in Punjab
To determine the type & extent of risky behaviors among KP in Punjab

HIV/AIDS Prevention Program Among street base injecting drug users in Faisalabad & Sargodha supported Punjab AIDS Control program, Health department (Govt. of Punjab) in 2014 – 16

The HIV prevalence among IDU’s in Punjab is around 38%. According to HASP round 4, the prevalence of HIV in different cities in ISU’s is Lahore (30.8%), Faisalabad (52.5%), Sargodha (40.5%), DG Khan (49.5%). In view epidemic dynamics, there is an urgent need to provide effective HIV prevention services among street-based IDU’s.

The purpose of this project is to halt the HIV prevalence in IDU’s at the current level or it does not increase by than 5% above current level. This includes the services for harm reductions, syringe exchange program, primary healthcare, STI infections, sexual and reproductive health and behavior change services that will be provided to all categories of IDU’s.

Provision of HIV Prevention and Diagnostic Services for Jail Inmates in Central Jail Faisalabad, a Project of Punjab AIDS Control Program, Government of Punjab Health Department from May 2015 to June 2016 (Discontinued due to Jails Recent Security Matters)

Many of the Jail Inmates are drug Users and practice various high risk activities which put them at a higher risk of acquiring HIV infection. Furthermore, it is known from international experience that many of the high risk activities such as unprotected sex among men, injecting drugs etc. are common in Jails.

The purpose of the project is to provide HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care services to the Jail Inmates in Central Jail Faisalabad. The services included peer outreach for counseling for HIV prevention and reduction of risky behaviors, condom and treatment of drug use to curtail the practice of various risky behaviors including injecting drug use.

2014 Mapping and Integrated Biological & Behavioral Surveillance (IBBS) for key Population in Faisalabad funded by Punjab AIDS Control Program, Department of Health, Government of Punjab

The main objectives of the study were:

To provide accurate information on size and characteristics of KP through geographic & network mapping in selected cities of Punjab
To estimate (HIV) sero-prevelance among the KP in Punjab
To determine the type & extent of risky behaviors among KP in Punjab

Project on HTC / VCT for Spouses of PWID / IDU’s in Faisalabad and Sargodha 2014

Identifying Injecting Drug Users in different cities, who were married, approached their families and gave awareness about HIV/AIDS, conducted tests, and referred positive member to the Government Centers for further treatment. Developed the consent form, the data collection questionnaire, Protocols for pre and post counseling, format to record the testing according to the recommended “Three Rapid Testing Kits to monitor the progress and generate the report required by the UNICEF, Pakistan and PACP.

Distribution of Wheel Chairs among the disabled with the help of Australian High Commission (Direct Aid Program)

Conducted a survey and gathered data regarding disabled people, Social welfare was also helpful in providing data in that regard. 200 different families were selected and wheel chairs were distributed to them in the Head office and at their premises as well.

HIV/AIDS Prevention Program Among street base injecting drug users in Faisalabad supported Punjab AIDS Control program, Health department (Govt. of Punjab) in 2012 ~ 2013

The HIV prevalence among IDU’s in Punjab is around 38%. According to HASP round 4, the prevalence of HIV in different cities in ISU’s is Lahore (30.8%), Faisalabad (52.5%), Sargodha (40.5%), and DG Khan (49.5%). In view epidemic dynamics, there is an urgent need to provide effective HIV prevention services among street-based IDU’s.

HIV/AIDS Prevention Program Among street base injecting drug users in Sargodha supported Punjab AIDS Control program, Health department (Govt. of Punjab) in 2012 ~ 2013

HIV/AIDS Prevention Program Among street base injecting drug users in Faisalabad supported by Punjab AIDS Control program, Health department (Govt. of Punjab) in 2011 ~ 2012