According to UNAIDS, 290,000 adults and children were living with HIV/AIDS in Pakistan as of 2023. Several factors contribute to this disturbing predicament. A major issue is the lack of awareness and education about the disease. HIV/AIDS is still highly stigmatized, which discourages individuals from seeking testing or treatment. This results in many people living with undiagnosed HIV/AIDS, further facilitating its spread. Many people also do not have access to adequate medical services which can help manage the disease and reduce transmission rates.
Moreover, unsafe medical practices, such as the re-use of syringes in healthcare settings, have been linked to several HIV outbreaks in Pakistan. While international agencies have supported Pakistan in its efforts to combat HIV/AIDS, more needs to be done at the national level to halt the spread of the virus. Public awareness campaigns, improved access to HIV/AIDS testing and treatment, and stronger policies to protect at-risk populations are critical in controlling this epidemic.
Hussain Siddiqui
Islamabad