By: Asim Nawaz Abbasi
PESHAWAR: Youth Advocacy Council (YAC), a Peshawar based NGO organized a three days Training of Trainers on Ending Transphobic Stigmas and Preventing Trans and Youth from HIV/AIDS in Pakistan. Attended by diverse youth, transgenders and young professionals hailing from Lahore, Peshawar and Swat, the training provided first hand information and knowledge on HIV/AIDS to young community and transgender persons; offering quality counselling services in HIV/AIDS prevention, care and support; enable participants to provide HCT using different approaches including VCT and routine testing and refer clients for HIV/AIDS related prevention, care and support services in Pakistan and particularly in three districts. A key session led by Reem Sharif, Pakistan’s first Transwoman Police officer, gave valuable information on transphobia, how to reduce transphobic stigmas, and address transgender’s human rights in Pakistan.
As per the findings from global researches, HIV presents noteworthy difficulties for general wellbeing specialists and national governments. However, it is inescapable in our social orders paying little mind to any social class; the transsexual people, be that as it may, are profoundly powerless against this plague. According to WHO. transsexual ladies are multiple times bound to procure HIV than all grown-ups of conceptive age. All around, an expected 19% of transsexual ladies are living with HIV.
In health-care settings, transgender people often face stigma and ill treatment, including refusal of care, harassment, verbal abuse and violence. Despite evidence of heightened HIV vulnerabilities and risks, the coverage of HIV prevention programmes among transgender people remains poor. Transgender women are in urgent need of HIV prevention, treatment and care services. At the same time, stigma and discrimination in health system alongside lack of knowledge of transgender people’s health-related needs by health personnel deter transgender people from using services. Generally, transgender women had negative or transphobic experiences in health-care system in past, they were reluctant to get tested for fear that a diagnosis would require additional interaction with health-care providers. Transgender women and men are drastically underserved by current treatment efforts and report lower rates of treatment adherence than other groups.
“It was a great experience to be a part of a training of youth advocacy training. Being a transgender I always faced harassment and stigma from the society ,now I am a part of a cause to eliminate stigma and stereotypes related to Transgender community and work together to uplift the trans community. Thank you youth advocacy council” said Namkeen,
The participants were also briefed about Transhelp app; an innovative digital platform designed to help and support Transgenders and youth to prevent HIV/Aids, Sexually transmitted diseases and empower TGPs, PLWHA and Youth to fight against Transphobia and gender discrimination.
Talking on the event, the transgender participants from Lahore, Peshawar and Swat appreciated the YAC team for organizing the training. “It is absolutely imperative that every human being’s freedom and human rights are respected, all over the world and Transgender is no exception.
Youth Advocacy Council Pakistan’s efforts for Trans-Rights in Pakistan are appreciable. The incorporation of Artificial Intelligence in this regard is a progressive approach. One such initiative is new app “TRANSHELP” that ensures the safety and security of our beloved and most vulnerable Trans community. We support hands and spirits to make it a success!” said Aasiya Akbar, an Advocate High Court Lahore and Transhelp Ambassador of YAC Pakistan.