Pakistan’s HIV Challenge: 84,000 Cases Registered, 23,000 Patients Untraceable

Addressing Pakistan’s HIV Crisis

Pakistan is facing a dual challenge in its fight against HIV. According to Health Minister Mustafa Kamal, the country has 84,000 registered HIV cases, but nearly 23,000 patients remain untraceable, raising concerns about continued transmission risks.

Of the total registered cases, around 61,000 patients are currently receiving treatment, while those untraceable are outside the treatment net. The minister emphasized that HIV is a treatable condition, with medicines available free of cost at government facilities. However, untreated patients may unknowingly contribute to the spread of the virus.

Pakistan’s screening capacity has expanded significantly in recent years. Testing centers increased from 49 in 2020 to 97 in 2025, and annual testing rose from 37,944 individuals to over 374,000. Despite the rise in detected cases, the overall prevalence rate remains at 0.1%, lower than the global average of 0.5%. Yet, estimates suggest the actual number of infections could be as high as 369,000, underscoring the need for stronger surveillance.

The minister also raised concerns about funding transparency. Under a $65 million HIV program (2024–2026), most funds were allocated to external organizations, including the United Nations Development Programme and NGOs, with limited visibility for the government on how the money was utilized.

Unsafe medical practices remain a major driver of transmission. The reuse of syringes has been identified as a critical issue, prompting plans to ban reusable 10cc syringes to curb infections.

Addressing recent reports of an outbreak in Taunsa, the minister clarified that the cases dated back to 2024, with no new infections reported in 2026. Corrective measures had already been taken following the earlier surge.

Officials acknowledge that the gap between registered and treated patients is one of the most pressing challenges. Expanding screening, improving patient tracking, and ensuring sustained access to treatment are essential steps to strengthen Pakistan’s HIV response and protect public health.