Worsening HIV epidemic

After the Trump administration's catastrophic decision to slash global funding for HIV and AIDS, it seems that Pakistan hasn't yet been able to transition to a self-financed, independent treatment and prevention model for the diseases. What makes matters worse is that a large portion of Pakistan's HIV patients comprise children from rural villages and small towns – innocent, helpless and highly vulnerable. To prevent what is one of the fastest-growing HIV epidemics in Eastern Mediterranean Region from escalating into a graver public health emergency, Pakistan must urgently adopt comprehensive control measures.

The country is falling behind on several fronts when it comes to HIV prevention and treatment. In terms of medical facilities, it has not established adequate HIV testing and counselling services and HIV surveillance systems. On top of the insufficient infrastructure, the healthcare environment in the country ends up magnifying the risks of the spread of the disease through poor infection prevention and control protocols instead of mitigating them.

On a social front, contracting HIV is still regarded as impure and taboo, which deters people from both testing and treatment. According to the Bridge Consultants Foundation - a non-profit organisation for public health - there is a large gap between the estimated number of people living with HIV in Pakistan and those who have been diagnosed or are being actively treated. This gap reflects how urgently social measures are needed for HIV management alongside medical and infrastructural ones.

While all key stakeholders, including healthcare institutions, private organisations, academics, media professionals and community representatives, must work collectively for improved screening, prevention and treatment, the largest task ultimately belongs to the government. It must adapt to the new world order and increase domestic financing for comprehensive measures without delays or deferments.