Alarming Increase in New HIV Cases in Pakistan, Over 9,700 Reported in First Nine Months of 2024

Islamabad:Pakistan has witnessed a concerning surge in new HIV cases, with **9,713 new cases** reported in the first nine months of 2024. This means, on average, around **1,079 individuals** are being diagnosed with HIV each month, signaling a troubling trend in the country’s fight against the virus.

According to the **Federal Ministry of Health**, it is projected that by the end of 2024, the total number of HIV cases could reach **12,950**, a significant increase from the **12,731 cases** recorded in the previous year.

### Breakdown of HIV Cases:

The majority of those diagnosed with HIV in 2024 have been **men**, accounting for **69.4%** of the cases, followed by **women** at **20.5%**, **transgender individuals (Khawaja Sira)** at **4.1%**, and **children** at **6%**.

### Regional Distribution of HIV Cases:
– **Punjab** has reported the highest number of cases, with **5,691 HIV-positive individuals**.
– **Sindh** follows with **2,383 cases**.
– **Khyber Pakhtunkhwa** has reported **926 cases**, while **Balochistan** has recorded **329 cases**.
– In **Islamabad**, **378 cases** have been reported, and **Azad Kashmir** has reported **10 cases**.

### Contributing Factors:
Experts and authorities have raised alarms about the growing number of HIV cases, emphasizing that the virus is increasingly being transmitted from high-risk groups to the general population. Key factors behind this surge include:
– **Lack of awareness** about HIV and its prevention.
– **Unprotected sexual relations**, particularly among high-risk groups.
– Insufficient **protective measures** in **healthcare facilities**, which can lead to the spread of the virus through unsafe medical practices.

The rise in HIV cases poses a significant public health challenge, and experts are urging both government authorities and communities to take swift and effective measures to address the underlying causes. Public awareness campaigns, improved healthcare protocols, and better access to preventive services are essential to reversing this alarming trend.