Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA) has expressed serious concern over the alarming rise in HIV cases across the country, including Islamabad and Karachi, and has called for the declaration of a public health emergency with immediate and effective interventions.PIMA urged the government to take strict and prompt action against unsafe medical practices, ensure enforcement of infection control protocols, and launch widespread public awareness campaigns.Central President of PIMA Prof.
Atif Hafeez Siddiqui stated on Monday that the recent diagnosis of more than 2,449 children with HIV reflects an extremely disturbing situation. He noted that areas such as Taunsa, Islamabad, Karachi, Larkana, Qambar, and Shahdadkot have emerged as major hotspots.Referring to UNAIDS data, he added that the broader HIV situation in the country is equally concerning. An estimated 350,000 people are living with HIV in Pakistan, while only around 74,000 are aware of their status, indicating a significant gap in diagnosis and ongoing transmission.
He further highlighted that the key drivers of the outbreak include unsafe healthcare practices, the reuse of injections by quacks and untrained staff, and the transfusion of unscreened blood.PIMA President called for immediate and strict action against unsafe medical practices, comprehensive screening and regulation of blood banks, and the formulation of an emergency strategy to protect children. He emphasized that urgent, coordinated efforts are essential to contain the spread of HIV and safeguard public health.
