On World AIDS Day, thousands grapple with virus

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Integrated HIV, Hepatitis, and Thalassemia Control Programme has provided alarming statistics, showing that there are currently, 8,356 AIDS patients in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa with Peshawar topping the list at 1,515 cases.

The recent Drug Free Peshawar drive was launch by the commissioner where more than 40 HIV patients were diagnosed while the disease. Health experts observed that if immediate steps were not taken, there would be no end to the spread.

The report says that 2,080 women, 6,105 men, and 171 transgender individuals are registered AIDS patients in the province. In 2024 alone, 1,173 new cases were recorded. These arrived on the coattails of 2023 with 1,147 cases.

The data showed that Peshawar leads with 1,515 cases, followed by Bannu (979), Swat (384), Mardan (366), and Charsadda (345). Tribal districts account for 1,256 registered cases.

On World AIDS Day, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Health Adviser Ihtesham Ali emphasised the importance of raising public awareness about AIDS and encouraging early screening. In his video message, he urged, "We must hate the disease, not the patient."

Highlighting the province's efforts, Ali stated that 13 centers across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including tribal districts, offer free AIDS screening and treatment. He announced plans to expand these facilities to enhance accessibility and encourage widespread screening. He warned about hidden cases of the disease.