Islamabad, May 6: Pakistan is grappling with a severe health crisis that has drawn significant attention in recent months. Over the past nine months, negligence in hospitals has led to a troubling rise in HIV infections among children. This issue was recently raised in the Pakistani parliament, where the health department presented a grim report to a parliamentary committee. It revealed that nearly 20,000 HIV-positive patients receiving treatment have gone missing.
The National Assembly’s health committee was informed that approximately 20,000 registered patients at antiretroviral therapy (ART) centers for HIV/AIDS treatment are now considered “missing.” This alarming revelation raises serious concerns about follow-up care, counseling, and the systems in place to keep patients engaged in their treatment.
Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, who chairs the committee, expressed deep concern over the rising number of HIV/AIDS cases in the country and requested a detailed briefing from the health ministry. The ministry proposed a closed-door briefing, but committee members rejected this, citing the need for transparency.
Statistics indicate a rapid increase in HIV infections in Pakistan. In the last 15 years, new cases have surged by nearly 200%. The number of new infections rose from 16,000 in 2010 to 48,000 in 2024. Estimates suggest that the total number of infected individuals is around 369,000, with 84,000 cases officially registered. In 2025 alone, 14,000 new cases were reported, and among these, about 20,000 patients who had started treatment are now untraceable.
Health Minister Mustafa Kamal stated that the country’s HIV/AIDS programs rely heavily on global funding. Meanwhile, the committee highlighted several factors contributing to the spread of the virus. Despite restrictions, unsafe syringes are still available in the market, and there is insufficient oversight of blood banks and transfusion systems. A lack of awareness campaigns, fear of social stigma, and patients dropping out of the treatment system are also concerning issues.
While the national prevalence rate stands at 0.2%—lower than the global average of 0.5%—regions such as Taunsa, Kot Momin, and southern Punjab have seen increased infection rates, indicating gaps in control measures.
In Karachi, three hospitals have reported a significant rise in HIV cases among children over the past nine months. Experts have termed this situation “dangerous” and are calling for a national health emergency. They recommend implementing safe medical practices, strict adherence to single-use syringes, and the establishment of a national data dashboard to provide reliable information on HIV, hepatitis B, C, and other infectious diseases.
This crisis highlights not only deficiencies in the health system but also challenges related to awareness, monitoring, and societal attitudes. The 20,000 “missing” patients underscore that initiating treatment is not enough; maintaining continuity and keeping patients engaged in the healthcare system is equally vital.
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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