WHO and UNAIDS Call for Urgent Action as HIV Infections Continue to Rise in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNAIDS have called for immediate action in response to the continuous rise of HIV infections in Pakistan.

According to WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean and North African regional office, the number of new HIV cases in Pakistan has tripled between 2010 and 2024, rising from 16,000 to 48,000.

The report states that around 350,000 people in Pakistan are currently living with HIV, and nearly 80% of them are unaware of their condition.

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HIV was previously concentrated among high-risk groups, but the virus is now spreading among the general population, including children and families. Major factors driving this spread include poor blood screening, shared injections, limited healthcare facilities, and lack of awareness.

WHO and UNAIDS have urged the government, health institutions, and the public to act immediately by:

• Expanding HIV testing and diagnosis programs

• Ensuring access to treatment and essential medicines

• Accelerating awareness campaigns about HIV prevention and care

The organizations warned that without urgent measures, the spread of HIV in Pakistan could accelerate even further.