A parliamentary panel has raised serious concerns over gaps in the country’s HIV response system. Officials reported that around 20,000 HIV patients who started treatment have gone missing from follow-up records.
The issue was discussed in a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee. Health officials said that patient tracking, counseling, and long-term retention remain major challenges in managing HIV in Pakistan.
According to the Ministry of Health, about 369,000 people are living with HIV in the country. However, only 84,000 cases are officially registered. This shows a large gap in detection and reporting.
Officials also informed the committee that 14,000 new HIV cases were recorded in 2025. Lawmakers expressed concern over the rising numbers and weak control measures.
The committee said the situation requires urgent national attention. They stressed that HIV control needs a coordinated strategy across all provinces.
Members also warned that higher testing numbers do not mean better control. They said the real success is reducing new HIV infections, not just increasing screening.
Testing capacity has increased significantly in recent years. The number of tests rose from 37,000 in 2020 to more than 374,000 in 2025. Despite this progress, HIV prevention remains a major concern.
Lawmakers pointed to repeated outbreaks in several areas. These include Taunsa, Kot Momin, and parts of South Punjab. They linked these outbreaks to unsafe medical practices and weak enforcement.
During the briefing, officials said a Karachi outbreak was linked to unsafe syringe use. The Ministry of Health stated that reusable syringes will now be phased out. This step is aimed at reducing HIV transmission risks.
The committee also questioned why restricted medical equipment is still available in markets. They called for stricter monitoring of pharmacies and medical suppliers.
Concerns were also raised about weak oversight of blood banks. Lawmakers highlighted the lack of awareness campaigns on HIV prevention and testing.
Social stigma was also identified as a major barrier. Many patients avoid testing or drop out of HIV treatment due to fear and discrimination.
Officials also noted that many HIV patients are lost after diagnosis. This makes long-term treatment and monitoring very difficult.
In other related news also read Karachi Reports Alarming HIV Outbreak Among Children
The committee urged immediate action. They called for stronger enforcement, safer medical practices, and nationwide awareness efforts. A comprehensive HIV control plan is currently being prepared by the government to address these challenges.
