Rising cases of AIDS

Contrary to popular belief, AIDS is not a killer disease. Those suffering from the disease can live a normal life with proper medication. In recent months, many cases of AIDS and HIV-Positive have been reported in Pakistan spreading scare among the populace. A few months ago, a large number of cases of AIDS/HIV had been reported in Larkana district of Sindh. Now an alarming surge in AIDS/HIV cases has been reported in Faisalabad district of Punjab. According to the Punjab AIDS Control Programme (PACP), more than 28,000 patients have been registered at Faisalabad Allied Hospital. The hospital provides free treatment to AIDS/HIV patients and guidance on preventive measures. Cases have also been reported in other districts of Punjab: Chiniot, Sahiwal, Jhang and Nakana. The PACP on average receives 70-80 cases a month from these five districts. The large number of AIDS/HIV cases in Larkana, especially the case of a ‘physician’ who infected 45 people, caught media attention. The ‘physician’ himself is suffering from AIDS. In the wake of the Larkana incident, several international teams of medical experts visited Pakistan. They asked the government to spread awareness about the disease and recommended preventive measures.

The recent rise in AIDS/HIV cases in Punjab shows that the provincial government has not organised screening camps to get to the reasons for such a high number of AIDS patients. The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has expressed serious concerns over the situation. The PMA Faisalabad pointed out that the World Health Organisation (WHO) had warned Pakistan that it was already registering approximately 20,000 new AIDS/HIV cases annually. Citing the WHO, the PMA says it is the highest rate in the region. The government should launch an awareness campaign without any further delay. 

Published in The Express Tribune, June 26^th, 2019.

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