Daily Pakistan Online News, Sports, Blogs, Media
Quetta (Daily Pakistan Online) A concerning surge in AIDS cases has been reported in Balochistan, with 462 new cases registered, bringing the total number of patients under the AIDS control program to 2,823. This alarming increase was disclosed by Director AIDS Control Program Balochistan, Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, during a press conference. The new cases represent a significant rise from last year’s registered 2,361 AIDS patients.
The demographics of those affected are also noteworthy, with 594 women, 99 children, and 47 transgenders registered as AIDS-affected. These numbers are a stark reminder of the disease’s pervasive impact on vulnerable populations. Furthermore, it is estimated that the actual number of AIDS patients in Balochistan may be substantially higher, potentially reaching 9,000.
Pakistan has been grappling with the challenges of HIV/AIDS for decades. The country has been a hub of several HIV outbreaks over the last two decades, with four major outbreaks reported since 2018 ¹. The key populations most affected by the epidemic include people who inject drugs, men who have sex with men, prisoners, transgender women, and female sex workers.
The rise in HIV infections can be attributed to various factors, including poor infection control practices, unregulated unsafe blood transfusions, and a general lack of awareness. The stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS in Pakistan also hinders efforts to combat the disease, with many individuals facing discrimination and exclusion.
To effectively address the AIDS epidemic in Balochistan and Pakistan as a whole, it is essential to implement comprehensive measures that focus on awareness, education, and inclusive healthcare services. This includes scaling up testing, treatment, and prevention programs, particularly among high-risk populations.
