WHO warns that HIV infection has reached epidemic proportions in Pakistan

News Topical, Digital Desk : HIV infection is becoming a serious health crisis in Pakistan. According to recent data and WHO reports, the infection is no longer limited to certain groups, but has spread to families, women, and children. Experts say that if this issue is not addressed promptly, it could pose a serious threat to future generations.

HIV infections in Pakistan have increased rapidly over the past 15 years. According to WHO data, 16,000 new HIV cases were reported in Pakistan in 2010, while this number is projected to rise to 48,000 in 2024. This means that cases have increased nearly threefold, or 200 percent, during this period. This increase is not just a matter of numbers; it indicates that the infection is now reaching people of all classes and ages. 

What is the WHO warning?

Experts say that HIV was once confined to high-risk groups, such as drug users or those who received infected blood transfusions. However, the infection has now spread to children, women, and the general public. WHO representative, Dr. Luo Dapeng, said that these outbreaks affecting children pose a serious threat to Pakistan's future. He stressed that everyone must work together to ensure future generations are protected from HIV. 

What are the reasons for the spread of HIV infection in Pakistan? 

There are many reasons for the rapid spread of HIV infection in Pakistan. These include unsafe injections and blood transfusions, poor infection control in hospitals, lack of HIV testing for pregnant women, unsafe sex, and a lack of awareness. According to the report, new HIV cases among children aged 0-14 in Pakistan increased from only 530 in 2010 to 1,800 in 2023. In recent outbreaks in cities like Larkana, Jacobabad, and Mirpur Khas, more than 80 percent of the patients were children. These figures indicate that it is now extremely important to take immediate action to protect children from this infection. 

WHO believes that if the government, health institutions and society work together to spread awareness, adopt safe health practices and provide timely HIV testing and treatment, the threat of this epidemic can be prevented. Otherwise, it can become not only a health crisis but a major social and economic challenge for the future of Pakistan. 

Read More: Xeroderma Pigmentosum: Due to which disease the body moves only in sunlight, what is the reason for this problem?