ISLAMABAD: It seems next to impossible to end the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals of Pakistan, because an upsurge has been witnessed in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases, rising from an estimated 110,000 cases in 2016 to 133,529 in 2017.
In Pakistan, during the current year an estimated 133,529 people have been found living with HIV as compared to less than 110,000 in 2016. Although the epidemic was concentrated in specific groups, known as key populations, but isolated outbreaks in different parts of the country such as in Jallalpur Jata (Gujrat), Larkana and Chiniot coupled with the evidence collected in the recent HIV surveillance round (IBBS-2016) suggested a spill-over of the virus into the general population through bridging populations.
The recently concluded surveillance round (IBBS-2016) reported an increase in HIV prevalence in all key populations, including people who inject drugs from 37.8 per cent to 38.4 per cent, male sex workers from 3.1 per cent to 5.2 per cent, female sex workers from 0.8 per cent to 2.2 per cent and transgenders sex workers from 7.2 per cent to 7.5 per cent.
These shocking revelations were made in the press briefing organised by National AIDS Control Programme in collaboration with United Nations agencies, World Health Organisation (WHO) and Association of People Living with HIV (APLHIV), on the current situation of HIV and AIDS on the eve of World AIDS Day to be observed on December 1 all over the world. The day was aimed at raising HIV awareness and expressing solidarity with those who have succumbed to HIV and its associated morbidities.
The National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) had been spearheading the HIV response in the country with 26 HIV treatment centres and 21 community home based care sites. These centres provided free of cost HIV treatment, testing, counselling as well as social support to people living with the disease.
NACP National Programme Manager Dr Baseer Achakzai said on the occasion that World AIDS Day was a reminder to the policy makers, health professionals and the public that advancements in HIV testing and treatment have enabled people living with the disease to lead healthy lives.
The wide gap between people living with the disease and those accessing treatment for the disease called for increased resource mobilisation, promotion of HIV literacy and addressing the myths associated with the disease, fighting stigma and discrimination associated with the disease and empowering people affected by the virus.
The Government of Pakistan was committed to ending HIV in the country. Financial resources have been committed by the federal and provincial governments to implement a high impact prevention approach, promote HIV education and take steps to promote culture of HIV testing and treatment services, he added.
“We all need to join hands for an efficacious, evidence based and innovative approach to develop synergies between all sectors contributing to the health of the population,” he said.
Dr Baseer further said that efforts needed to be made to increase coverage and access to HIV information, prevention, testing and treatment services, stigma and discrimination against HIV to prevent new infections and improve the quality of life of those living with the disease.
In 2016, around 8,888 people living with the deadly virus were provided free of cost treatment. The number had increased to around 11,080 in September, 2017. With a modified community based prevention and testing approach, and adaption of WHO guidelines of “Treatment for All”, NACP still expected the numbers to rise further.
WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr Assai Ardakani said that with the advancement in technology, the treatment for HIV was as easy to access as any other disease. He said, “World AIDS Day reminds us of our commitment to end the HIV epidemic. It is an occasion to look back at our progress, retrieve lessons and move forward towards the goal of eradicating the disease.”
“In spite of progress made in the field of medical science the epidemic is still progressing. Pakistan features the lowest coverage of HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care services among regional countries. Over, 85 per cent of patients who need life-saving antiretroviral therapy do not receive it,” he added. He termed HIV testing as a critical step for accessing treatment and care.
Unfortunately, Pakistan is facing a huge gap in diagnosis as only three out of 10 people living with HIV know their health status. Same is the case with treatment as only seven percent of the estimated people living with HIV/AIDS have been getting lifesaving treatment and medications.