84,421 HIV cases registered: NA told

ISLAMABAD, Mar 30 (APP):Parliamentary Secretary for Health Nelson Azeem told the National Assembly on Monday that 84,421 HIV cases had been registered in the country.

He said all diagnosed patients were receiving treatment according to established medical protocols.

During Question Hour, he explained that patients on dialysis were treated using separate machines to prevent cross-infection. Once diagnosed at any facility, patients were provided proper treatment, with healthcare services available in hospitals nationwide.

He noted that Punjab reported the highest number of HIV cases due to its stronger system of monitoring, testing, and diagnosis, followed by Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Islamabad.

The parliamentary secretary emphasized that while the government provided treatment, prevention required collective efforts from the public and healthcare providers. Unsafe blood transfusions and unregulated medical practices were major causes of HIV transmission, highlighting the need for strict safety measures.

He said awareness campaigns had been launched in hospitals, clinics, and among healthcare workers, while laboratories were monitored to ensure proper blood screening. The focus remained on early diagnosis and timely treatment to improve patients’ quality of life.

Nelson Azeem also highlighted the support of international donor agencies, stating that all initiatives followed World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines and were regularly audited to ensure transparency and effectiveness.