National study of reproductive tract infections among high risk groups of Lahore and Karachi.

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of reproductive tract infections (RTIs) among the Female Sex Workers (FSWs), Male Sex Workers (MSWs), Injecting Drug Users (IDUs) and truck drivers.

Study Design: Cross-sectional.

Place And Duration Of Study: Lahore and Karachi, from March to August, 2004.

HIV risk in Karachi and Lahore, Pakistan: an emerging epidemic in injecting and commercial sex networks.

The objective of this study was to measure HIV prevalence and risk behaviour in injecting drug users (IDUs), male sex workers (MSWs), Hijras (transgenders), female sex workers (FSWs) and male truckers in Karachi and Lahore, Pakistan. The design was a linked-anonymous cross-sectional study of individuals identified at key venues or through peer referral. Approximately 400 respondents in each group (200 for Hijras) responded to a standardized questionnaire and were tested for HIV antibodies at each site.

Developing a surveillance system for HIV/AIDS in Pakistan.

Apart from other interventions, surveillance remains a major focus of the national response to HIV/AIDS. However, with a shift in the epidemic pattern, the existing surveillance strategies are barely insufficient and long-term structural changes are desirable. This article provides a conceptual framework for developing a scientific system for HIV surveillance in Pakistan.