Hafizullah Sherani:
QUETTA: The spread of HIV/AIDS in Balochistan is becoming a significant public health crisis, with an alarming increase in reported cases this year. According to the Balochistan AIDS Control Program, over 462 new cases have been registered in 2024, bringing the estimated total of affected individuals to between 7,000 and 9,000.
This was revealed by Dr. Zulfiqar Baloch, the Balochistan Coordinator of the AIDs program while addressing a press conference.
The alarming number of patients prompted the Chief Minister Balochistan, Mir Sarfaraz Bugti to take notice and he directed the health department to double their efforts for the prevention of the disease.
Alarming Rise in Cases
In 2023, the program recorded 3,200 cases, but the numbers have surged this year, highlighting a worrying trend. Unsafe surgical instruments, contaminated syringes, and unprotected sexual contact are the leading causes of transmission in the province.
High-Risk Districts
Health experts have identified Quetta, Gwadar, Turbat, Hub, Naseerabad, Zhob, and Sherani as high-risk areas for HIV/AIDS. The stigma surrounding the disease often discourages individuals from seeking timely testing and treatment.
Civil rights activist Rozian Khilji emphasized, “People with AIDS often avoid testing due to social stigma. This not only risks their health but endangers their families as well.”
Available Treatment and Expansions
The Bolan Medical Complex in Quetta remains a central hub for HIV/AIDS treatment, also serving patients from neighboring Afghanistan. The program operates five treatment centers across the province, with plans to establish new centers in Khuzdar, Zhob, Sibi, and Kharan to meet the growing demand.
Dr. Dawood Achakzai, Assistant Head of the Balochistan AIDS Control Program, explained, “With timely medication, patients can suppress the virus, restore immunity, and lead normal lives.”
Urgent Need for Awareness
Health authorities and activists stress the importance of awareness campaigns and widespread testing to curb the spread. In 2023 alone, over 100,000 free HIV/AIDS tests were conducted across Balochistan.
As the province battles this growing epidemic, public health officials are urging timely interventions, expanded healthcare facilities, and an end to the stigma surrounding the disease.
