In Pakistan, HIV is rapidly spreading; it would be no wrong to term the status of HIV in Pakistan as ‘tip of the iceberg.’ Being a signatory of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Pakistan is committed to stopping the spread of HIV. As per CDC guidelines, you can get HIV if you have anal or vaginal sex with someone who has HIV without using protection (like condoms or medicine to prevent HIV). You can also get HIV from sharing needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment (for example, cookers) with someone who has HIV. You can pass HIV to your baby during pregnancy, childbirth, and nursing (breastfeeding).
So much emphasis has been placed on streamlining hospitals to control infection of HIV, but strong potential venues of HIV have been ignored. That’s why Pakistan has entered into a concentrated epidemic phase. HIV is a behavioral disease; behaviors such as unprotected sex and sharing needles are major routes of HIV transmission. Why are authorities not bothered about the booming industry of aesthetics clinics and beauty salons?
Beauty salon workers lack adequate knowledge, attitudes, and safe practices regarding HIV prevention. The improper practices, such as inadequate sterilization and sharing non-sterile tools, significantly increase the risk of HIV transmission.
HIV is very powerful, and even 0.3 ml of blood is sufficient to spread the virus. Manicures, pedicures, waxing, shaving, electrolysis, and tattooing can lead to HIV risk in the view of settings of salons where staff is not trained and totally unaware about sterilization techniques.
To address concerns related strong potential venues of the spread of HIV, public health authorities must prioritize educational interventions aimed at improving the knowledge of therapists and beauty salon workers about HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention.
Establishing mandatory training workshops on safe practices, decontamination techniques, and the use of disposable razors should be enforced. Additionally, there should beregulations and regular inspections to ensure barbershops, beauty salons and aesthetic clinics adhere to hygiene standards.
DR SAIFUR REHMAN
ISLAMABAD
