HIV trend

The recent data on HIV in Pakistan makes for a deeply troubling wake-up call. According to reports, the country is now experiencing one of the fastest-growing HIV epidemics in the region. From 2010 to 2024, the number of new HIV infections reportedly rose from 16,000 to 48,000 - a 200 per cent increase over 15 years. Moreover, an alarming 15-20 new cases are being diagnosed daily in K-P alone, where roughly 40,000 people are living with HIV. The rising caseload is not limited to K-P. Data suggests that the HIV burden is fast mounting across the country, and the real numbers for all regions are probably much higher as widespread stigma and potential discrimination deters citizens from testing.

Much of this surge can be traced back to systemic failures within the country's healthcare and social landscape. Poorly regulated blood banks and hospitals with quack doctors that engage in unsafe injection practices continue to expose thousands to infection. In many clinics, basic protocols, such as sterilising equipment or discarding used syringes, are either inconsistent or completely ignored. Add to this the near absence of routine HIV screening for pregnant women, and entire families become vulnerable to undetected transmission.

The government must allocate a greater amount of resources towards HIV prevention and treatment, while continuing to partner with international organisations that can offer support through technical, financial and logistical means. It must also ensure strict safety protocol are followed in hospitals and institutions, with inescapable penalties for those who are found violating rules. The current trend cannot be reversed through goodwill alone. It will take political will, funding, accountability and a long-term commitment to public health and human rights. If ignored, the present escalation of HIV in Pakistan will not only become a health catastrophe, but also a social and economic burden.