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Rising Number of New HIV Cases Reported in Islamabad, Pakistan.

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BNN Correspondents
New Update
Islamabad Records Alarming Number of HIV Cases
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Image Credit: ProPakistani

Surge in HIV Cases in Islamabad and Rawalpindi:

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Health officials have raised concerns as two treatment and diagnostic centers in Islamabad are witnessing an alarming average of 50 new HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) cases each month. Over the past seven months, a total of 331 new patients have been diagnosed, with a significant number hailing from Rawalpindi and other cities in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and Azad Kashmir.

Spread of HIV in Other Cities of Pakistan:

The twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad have emerged as hotspots for HIV infections, with additional cases reported in various other cities including Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Gujrat, Lahore, Gujranwala, Narowal, Chakwal, Mandi Bahauddin, Minwali, Sargodha Kotli, Bagh, and Ponch. Many patients prefer seeking treatment outside their hometowns due to the stigma associated with the disease and the fear of discrimination. Consequently, they travel to major cities like Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi for diagnosis and treatment. Recent reports indicate that approximately 46 new patients tested positive for HIV in October 2022, followed by 48 in November, 40 in December, 40 in January 2023, 72 in February, 44 in March, and 35 in April 2023.

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(Read Also: Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue Faces Rs. 62 Billion Shortfall in May 2023.)

Need for Expanded Treatment Centers:

To address the growing number of patients seeking HIV treatment, the National AIDS Control Program has established a second center at the Federal Government Poly Clinic. This initiative aims to ease the burden on the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), which has been overwhelmed by the influx of patients. However, as the new center is relatively recent, only a few HIV patients have visited it thus far.

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The situation calls for urgent attention and an expansion of treatment centers in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Efforts should be made to raise awareness about HIV, combat the stigma surrounding the disease, and provide accessible healthcare services to those in need. It is crucial to promote early detection, testing, and counseling to prevent the further spread of HIV in the affected regions.

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