1 December 2025 – Islamabad, Pakistan
On World AIDS Day, a strong call to action was issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNAIDS as Pakistan was highlighted as one of the countries with the fastest-growing HIV epidemics in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region. Data shows that new HIV infections increased by nearly 200% in the past 15 years, rising from 16,000 cases in 2010 to 48,000 in 2024.
HIV Spread Increasing Beyond High-Risk Groups
It has been observed that the virus is no longer limited to high-risk populations. HIV transmission is now being reported among children, spouses, and broader communities. This shift has been linked to unsafe blood transfusions, improper injection practices, insufficient infection prevention and control measures, lack of HIV testing during antenatal care, unprotected sexual activities, widespread stigma, and limited access to essential HIV services.
Awareness Efforts Mark World AIDS Day
Under the theme “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response,” WHO and UNAIDS collaborated with Pakistan’s Ministry of Health. An awareness walk was organized to emphasize the importance of collective responsibility in strengthening HIV prevention and response. The long-term goal is for AIDS — the advanced stage of HIV infection — to be eliminated as a public health threat by 2030.
Pakistan’s Director General of Health, Dr. Ayesha Majeed Isani, stated that stigma, unsafe medical practices, and lack of community engagement must be addressed. It was stressed that improved education, safer injection and transfusion procedures, and collaboration with clinicians are urgently required to secure a healthier, HIV-free future for children and adults in Pakistan.
Rising HIV Cases, Especially Among Children
Current estimates indicate that around 350,000 people in Pakistan are living with HIV. However, nearly 80% of them remain unaware of their status. Alarmingly, infections among children have increased sharply — from 530 cases in 2010 to almost 1,800 cases in 2023 among children aged 0–14.
Progress in Treatment Availability
Significant progress has been made in expanding access to treatment. The number of people receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) increased eightfold over the last decade, rising from 6,500 patients in 2013 to 55,500 patients in 2024. ART centers have expanded from 13 in 2010 to 95 in 2025.
Despite this progress, awareness and treatment coverage remain low. In 2024, it was estimated that:
- Only 21% of people living with HIV knew their status.
- Only 16% were receiving treatment.
- Just 7% had achieved viral load suppression.
More than 1,100 AIDS-related deaths were reported in 2024.
WHO Representative Dr. Luo Dapeng noted that recent outbreaks affecting children highlight the urgent need for stronger national and international cooperation to protect future generations from HIV.
UNAIDS Pakistan Director Trouble Chikoko emphasized that rapid and unified action is required to meet the 2030 global target of ending AIDS as a public health threat. It was stressed that global financing, expanded prevention, testing, treatment services, and dedicated support for women, children, and key populations remain essential.
Children Severely Affected in Multiple Outbreaks
Recent HIV outbreaks — in districts such as Shaheed Benazirabad, Hyderabad, Naushahro Feroze, Pathan Colony (2025), Taunsa (2024), Mirpur Khas (2024), Jacobabad, Shikarpur (2023), and Larkana (2019) — revealed that over 80% of reported cases involved children. Many infections were linked to unsafe injections or contaminated blood transfusions.
Only 14% of pregnant women who require treatment to prevent mother-to-child transmission currently receive it, leaving thousands of infants at risk. Among HIV-positive children aged 0–14, only 38% are on treatment.
Commitment to Ending AIDS in Pakistan
WHO and UNAIDS reiterated their support for Pakistan in strengthening HIV prevention, increasing access to treatment, and building a healthier future for all communities.
