Dr Mamadou Lamine Sakho, country head of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), has appreciated Pakistan over the launch of the Transgender Empowerment Association in the country.

Speaking at a ceremony organised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) here on Wednesday, Dr Mamadou said that he was pleased that Pakistan Transgender Empowerment Association had been launched. “As we’re celebrating World AIDS Day, it’s my pleasure to express my gratitude to all the people from CSO-CBO and PLWH as well as the government, public and private sector through their high commitment and personal endeavour to contribute to ending AIDS by 2030 in Pakistan.” He added, “Reinvigorating HIV prevention among key population requires domestic investment with tools that can empower them to raise their voice for their rights and this association will definitely be one such platform which will help strengthen the voice and agency role for transgender community,” he said.

He maintained that Pakistan was championing in the response to HIV and making progress towards protecting the rights of transgender community and this association would help strengthen the capacity of the community to access to universal health coverage and precisely to HIV testing treatment, care and social support services. Read more via Daily Times

Press Release from Wajood Pakistan:

Pakistan Transgender leaders, activists and allies launched a Transgender Empowerment Association of Pakistan in collaboration with NCHR (National Commission of Human Rights), UNAIDS, WHO and UNFPA.

Lead by Community-led Organization Wajood the launch ceremony was attended by more then 70 Transgender members in Islamabad who traveled from accoss Pakistan. The scope of this association is to

Monitor and Report human rights violations through the support of NCHR and implementation of grievance redress mechanism.
Expand the knowledge and awareness about the transgender needs, barriers, and recommendations for health care providers regarding their sexuality and gender while ensuring stigma free access to HIV testing, prevention, treatment, care and support.
(CBPR) community-based participatory research principles will guide the association to involve transgender Individuals, organizational representatives, researchers, and healthcare providers in all stages of this coalition and collaboration of this Association.
Generating economic opportunities by linking transgender community with mainstream organizations.
Rectifying discriminatory laws and policies and helping in getting legal aid and justice
Capacitating adult literacy
Sensitizing media to create an enabling environment for transgender individuals
Sensitizing Police, NADRA , Medical departments, Psychiatry institutes and other relevant stakeholders about transgender identity and issues.

We feel this network is a step towards the right direction to advocate for Transgender rights and reduce discrimination and segregation faced by Transgender community in Pakistan.