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ISLAMABAD, Dec 01 (APP): On World AIDS Day, global health agencies and Ministry of Health issued an urgent call for collective action to curb one of the fastest-growing HIV epidemics in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region.
With an estimated 350,000 people living with HIV in Pakistan — and nearly 80% unaware of their status — officials warned that the country is at a critical juncture in its fight against the disease.
WHO and UNAIDS reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Pakistan in scaling up prevention, testing, treatment and care, and ensuring a healthier, HIV-free future for all.
The World Health Organization (WHO), UNAIDS, and Pakistan’s Ministry of Health joined hands to mark World AIDS Day with an awareness walk starting from the WHO Country Office, urging communities, clinicians, and authorities to accelerate efforts to prevent the spread of HIV.
WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr Luo Dapeng, Pakistan’s Director General of Health Dr Ayesha Majeed Isani, and UNAIDS Country Director Trouble Chikoko led the walk under the global theme “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response.”
Once concentrated among high-risk groups, HIV is now moving into the general population — including children and spouses — due to unsafe blood transfusions, poor injection practices, gaps in infection control, low antenatal testing, stigma, and lack of access to HIV services.
“We need everyone involved to end unsafe practices for injections and blood transfusions. We need to educate people and bring clinicians on board,” said Dr Ayesha Majeed Isani.
“Together we can give the children and adults of Pakistan the healthy, HIV-free future they deserve.”
Despite progress, significant challenges remain. Although the number of people receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) has increased eightfold over the last decade — from 6,500 in 2013 to 55,500 in 2024 — only 21% of people living with HIV know their status, 16% are on treatment, and just 7% have achieved viral suppression. More than 1,100 AIDS-related deaths were reported in 2024.
Dr Luo Dapeng said that in several districts, more than 80% of detected cases were among children, often linked to unsafe injections and blood transfusions.
He said, “WHO will stand with Pakistan and partners to protect present and future generations, leaving no one behind.”
UNAIDS Director Trouble Chikoko said, “We can still end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 if we act with urgency and unity. The global response cannot rely on domestic resources alone. The world must come together to bridge the financing gap.”
Pakistan’s progress includes the expansion of ART centres from 13 in 2010 to 95 centres in 2025.