HIV Infections Soar in Pakistan, Second in Asia-Pacific

APP

Faisalabad: Pakistan has the second fastest rate of HIV/AIDS spread in the Asia-Pacific region, with a disturbing rise in new infections over the past decade, experts warned at a seminar on “The Evolving Landscape of HIV/AIDS: Addressing Complexities and Treatment,” held at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF).

UAF Vice Chancellor Dr Muhammad Sarwar Khan stressed the urgent need to dismantle myths surrounding HIV, call for timely treatment, and create a supportive community for those affected. He highlighted the importance of combating stigma and increasing public understanding of HIV’s evolving dynamics.

Medical professionals, including Dr Nazia Ehsan, In-charge of the HIV/AIDS Centre at Allied Hospital, and Dr Sumaira Riaz from the University Medical & Dental College, condemned the widespread fear and misconceptions hindering public health efforts.

Dr Ehsan provided a thorough overview of the virus’s symptoms, causes, and treatment options, emphasizing the urgent need for education and preventive measures.

Dr Riaz traced the history of HIV in Pakistan, noting that the first case was reported in 1987 due to unsafe blood transfusion practices, and a significant outbreak occurred in Larkana in 2004, linked to injection drug use. The escalating HIV crisis, exacerbated by stigma, ignorance, and insufficient awareness, has become a pressing public health emergency.

Dr Sultan Habib Ullah, Director of the Center for Advanced Studies, urged rapid action to counter the growing threat. Dr Bushra Sadia, Director of CABB at UAF, also emphasized the need for awareness campaigns to inspire proactive solutions.

Experts agreed that immediate, comprehensive efforts are necessary to curb the alarming rise in HIV cases and address the underlying public health gaps.