- Study results shared with the Ministry of National Health Services.
- The prevalence of HIV among permanent contracts has decreased considerably to reach 27 %.
- It is urgent to increase access to condoms and promote its use.
Islamabad: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) quickly spread among specific populations, including sex workers (FSW), men with sex with men (HSH) and transgender (TG), Due to unprotected sex and limited access to preventive measures.
A report presented during the sixth cycle of integrated biological and behavioral monitoring (IBBS) presented the evolution and the disturbing trends of the HIV epidemic in Pakistan, The news reported.
The first results of the study were shared on Tuesday with the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination. The study was carried out by the Health Services Academy (HSA) in partnership with the progressive Development Initiative (PDI), in the United Kingdom, the Center for Research on HIV/IST surveillance and the WHO collaborating center for WHO for Surveillance of HIV (Hivhub), Iran, almost ten years later. years after the last round.
The results have a mixed table, showing the effectiveness of risk reduction programs for injectable drug consumers (PWID) and the growing HIV prevalence in sexual networks, which act as a link between important groups and the general public .
While HSH report a prevalence of 7 % HIV, compared to 5.6 % in the most recent survey, the prevalence among TGs increased to 10 %, against 7.2 % in 2016. The prevalence among FSW also increased, from 2.2 % in 2016. To 3.8 % currently. The prevalence of HIV among permanent contracts, on the other hand, decreased considerably, going from 38.4 % in 2016 to 27 %, thanks to risk reduction initiatives and an evolution towards the consumption of non -injection drugs, like the or methamphetamine.
The percentage of HIV prevalence of 4.7 % among prisoners – a population evaluated for the first time in IBBS – is one of the most alarming results. In correctional establishments, overcrowding, the inaccessibility of condoms and the consumption of untreated drugs all contribute to the spread of HIV among this poorly served population.
One of the largest surveys to date to measure the prevalence of HIV in Pakistan, the IBBS series 6 interviewed and tested 28,377 people, including 6,500 CDI, 7,606 HSH, 6,670 FSW, 7,601 tg and 5,000 prisoners.
The study was conducted in 31 districts, guaranteeing a large geographical representation, notably Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta, Faperbad, Multan, Sukkur, Hyderabad, Jacobabad, Larkana, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala and Gujrat.
The results highlight significant obstacles to the use of condoms among TG, HSH and FSW. Even if more than 50 % of TG and HSH declare that they use condoms, differences in constant use persist, especially during high -risk meetings. Among the FSW, the use of condoms remains at around 40 %, hampered by the limited availability of female condoms, the refusal of customers and the stigma associated with the port or the demand for condoms.
These gaps highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions to increase access to condoms and promote their systematic use. The efforts to reduce misdeeds for permanent contracts have demonstrated their success, with increased availability of syringe exchange programs in the public and private sectors contributing to the decline in the HIV prevalence within this group. However, challenges such as dangerous injection practices, stigmatization and drug addiction continue to present risks.
The inclusion of prisoners as a vulnerable population in IBBS for the first time has highlighted the vulnerabilities of imprisoned people.
The results highlight the urgent need for complete prevention, screening and treatment of HIV in correctional establishments.
Comparative analysis with 2016 data reflects a mixed result. While the drop in prevalence among permanent contracts means progress, growing rates among TG, HSH and FSW reveal serious shortcomings in prevention strategies. These differences are still exacerbated by stigma, discrimination and limited awareness efforts, which hinder access to care and protective measures for these populations.
The report also highlights educational disparities among key populations. A significant proportion of TG, HSH and FSW have not done secondary studies, which limits their awareness of HIV prevention and protective measures. Among the permanent contracts, the levels of education are even lower, many of them being completely illiterate. The survey also assessed the detainees, revealing that even if some had completed their primary or secondary studies, many lacked in -depth knowledge of HIV prevention.
The IBBS study also assessed other vulnerable populations, such as truck drivers, migrant workers and street children, whose great mobility, low use of condoms and limited scope make them particularly vulnerable to HIV. These groups require targeted interventions to respond to their specific risk factors.
The study also highlights a critical forgetting: the lack of attention paid to the transmission of HIV due to the weakness of the prevention and control measures of infections in health care establishments.
Previous epidemics, such as that devastating Rato Dero in 2019, underline the role of dangerous medical practices in the spread of the virus. Future HIV prevention strategies must integrate robust infections control protocols to mitigate these risks.
