WHY HIV PANDEMIC IS RISING IN THE PAKISTAN

 HIV-OUTBREAKS IN PAKISTAN

RISING HIV/AIDS IN PAKISTAN

INTRODUCTION:

In terms of the HIV epidemic, Pakistan, the second-largest nation in South Asia, is just slightly behind India and Nepal. Despite numerous efforts, the country has moved from a low prevalence to a concentrated epidemic with an HIV prevalence of more than 5% among people who inject drugs (IDUs) in at least eight major cities. This is due to the fact that the HIV infection rate has increased significantly over the past few years. Another high-risk category that is likely to do so is that of men who have sex with men (MSM), hijra sex workers (HSWs), and female sex workers (FSWs). Nearly five million members of the bridging populations have direct sexual contact with these groups and are therefore at risk of contracting HIV through unprotected sexual activity.

Nearly five million members of the bridging populations have direct sexual contact with these groups and are hence at risk of HIV transmission from unprotected sexual activity. HIV could spread quickly to marriage partners or sex clients and cause a widespread epidemic due to the variety and interlinking of high-risk injecting and sexual behavior, poor levels of HIV understanding and prevention, and high levels of other STIs.

HIV PANDEMIC

EPIDEMIC OF HIV/AIDS IN PAKISTAN:

It is terrible that one of the factors contributing to the prevalence of disease in our nation is the behavior and attitudes of healthcare professionals, who are tasked with keeping us healthy. They undoubtedly seem to be a significant contributor to the rise in HIV/AIDS cases in the nation. The 2019 HIV/AIDS epidemic in Larkana serves as evidence. Despite an overall decline in HIV/AIDS incidence, Pakistan saw an 84 percent increase between 2010 and 2020.

There are currently about 200,000 HIV/AIDS cases in the nation, and thousands more are being discovered every year. In light of this, the information shared by health professionals at a recent conference in Karachi was instructive. According to them, the unsatisfactory behavior of their healthcare professionals was the reason why 65% of HIV/AIDS patients did not return for treatment.

HIV POSITIVE

RISING HIV/AIDS CASES 

The extensive use of tainted medical equipment by healthcare professionals is another important component in the disease's spread. Along with many cases of HIV/AIDS, this abhorrent practice is also to blame for other blood-borne illnesses like hepatitis B and C. Hepatitis C cases are already among the highest in Pakistan, and the number of hepatitis B infections is also rising alarmingly. More than 70% of hepatitis B and C infections in Pakistan are known to be spread through medical facilities.

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TAKEAWAY

Additionally, the issue is exacerbated by the absence of medical professionals and supervision at health facilities. Meanwhile, the stigma associated with the illness that discourages the reporting of symptoms at clinics and hospitals is another significant component of the HIV/AIDS dilemma. People refrain from doing so since getting HIV is stigmatized in society and can lead to mockery from family members and even medical professionals. Recently, the government of Sindh introduced a medication for couples and high-risk groups. However, the success in stopping the disease's spread would be limited unless the government takes active steps to lessen the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS and penalizes physicians who endanger the health of their patients.

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