Prevalence and future prospects of HIV in Pakistan

ABSTRACT

In Pakistan, 1.5 million people are living with HIV and only 8% of them are receiving antiretroviral therapy. Moreover, the number of newly reported cases of HIV have increased to 30% and it has caused 78% deaths of the HIV infected patients since 2010. More than eight outbreaks have been reported in different area of Pakistan in past two decades, Gujrat-a city of Punjab is one of them. Recently, a medical practitioner in the civil hospital of Gujrat referred 905 cases which were suspected on the basis of symptoms-rapid weight loss, extreme tiredness, prolonged swelling of lymph glands, mouth sores. HIV-ELISA test was performed for suspected cases and 17.5% cases were reported HIV positive. Female percentage (58%) was higher as compared to the male (42%) with HIV positive cases. Study participants were categorized into different age groups and the HIV was highly prevalent in the individuals with 30-39 years of age (38%), 23% in age group III with (20-29 years). However, 4% cases were less than 10 years of age. Overall, 17% HIV positive cases in a small town of Gujrat are an eye opener to the incidence and prevalence of HIV. Stringent actions are required in collaboration with federal and provincial agencies to control the HIV spread.