KARACHI: The Pakistan Islamic Medical Association has expressed serious concern over the rapidly worsening HIV situation in Pakistan, warning that a sharp rise in cases among children and low-risk groups reflects major flaws in the healthcare system.
Speaking at a press conference, Professor Atif Hafeez Siddiqui said a large number of people remain unaware of their HIV status due to a lack of screening facilities. Dr. Syed Ahmer Hamid termed the growing number of HIV cases among children highly alarming and urged the government to treat the issue as a top national priority.
Professor Asma Naseem said repeated use of syringes is a major cause of HIV transmission among children and requires emergency action. Dr. Samreen Sarfaraz said Pakistan is now considered one of the most HIV-affected countries in Asia according to global health assessments.
Professor Fatima Mir said the spread of HIV among children in Sindh largely resulted from contaminated injections and unsafe medical practices, adding that the crisis was preventable. She stressed mandatory infection control training for doctors and hospital staff in both public and private sectors.
Dr. Waseem Jamalvi said poor medical facilities, unsafe blood transfusions, reuse of syringes and needles, contaminated equipment, quackery and weak regulation of private clinics were key factors behind the rise in cases.
Professor Qaiser Jamal said around 350,000 people are living with HIV in Pakistan, while 894 cases were reported in Sindh during 2026, including many children. He emphasized the urgent need for awareness and infection control programs.
The experts unanimously demanded that the government declare the HIV situation a public health emergency, launch large-scale screening, audit health centres, ensure one-time use of disposable syringes, take strict action against quacks, provide free testing and treatment, and introduce a long-term infection control strategy.
They also urged parents to avoid unnecessary injections for children and advised the public to seek treatment only from qualified doctors.
