KARACHI: Participants at a seminar on Saturday expressed concern over the rise in HIV cases in Pakistan, particularly in Sindh and Punjab, and urged the government to increase domestic funding for prevention, testing, treatment and care services to respond effectively to the epidemic.
The seminar, organized by the Pakistan AIDS Society, brought together health experts, civil society representatives, and government officials. According to UNAIDS data, Pakistan had an estimated 210,000 people living with HIV in 2024, with a prevalence of 0.2% among adults aged 15-49. New infections have been rising, with an estimated 20,000 new cases in 2024.
Speakers noted that while international donors have historically supported HIV programs, funding has declined in recent years. They stressed that domestic financing is critical to sustain and expand services, especially for key populations such as people who inject drugs, sex workers, and transgender individuals.
The government of Sindh has allocated 500 million rupees for HIV programs in the current fiscal year, but experts say this is insufficient. The seminar called for a multi-sectoral approach, including better surveillance, community-based testing, and anti-stigma campaigns.
Dr. Fatima Mir, a public health specialist, said: 'Without urgent action, Pakistan risks missing the global target of ending AIDS by 2030. We need political will and sustained investment.'
