Pakistan steps up response to HIV surge as Global Fund review looms
By Bilal Haider :
Pakistan’s health authorities have ordered urgent measures to curb the spread of HIV, amid expectations that an international team will soon assess the country’s rising infection rates and response efforts.
The Ministry of Health has directed the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan and the Common Management Unit to develop a mechanism aimed at preventing transmission of the virus, particularly through the reuse of syringes — a practice experts say remains a major risk factor.
Officials say the move comes as the Global Fund is expected to send a team to Pakistan in the coming weeks to review the situation. The Geneva-based organisation has invested more than $1bn in the country over the past two decades to support programmes targeting HIV, tuberculosis and malaria.
Health experts suggest the visiting team may push for stronger technical oversight of disease control initiatives, amid concerns that administrative inefficiencies have hindered progress in recent years.
Alarm has grown following reports of more than 300 HIV cases among children in Taunsa, reportedly linked to the reuse of contaminated syringes. In Islamabad, at least 618 new infections were recorded between January 2025 and March 2026, highlighting the scale of the challenge.
The issue has also drawn political attention. The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Health, chaired by Mahesh Kumar Malani, has sought a detailed briefing from officials, signalling increasing concern at the national level.
Public health specialists, including former adviser Zafar Mirza, have pointed to unsafe medical practices — particularly the reuse of syringes and inadequate blood screening — as key drivers of transmission. These issues have long been cited as systemic weaknesses in Pakistan’s healthcare system.
Officials within the ministry, speaking on condition of anonymity, said international travel disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East could affect the timing of the Global Fund delegation’s visit, though it is tentatively expected in early May.
The Global Fund itself has previously raised concerns about Pakistan’s progress. An audit released last year highlighted slow improvements in tackling infectious diseases, citing weak governance, limited strategic direction and frequent leadership changes as major obstacles.
In response to the latest surge, authorities say steps are already under way to reduce risks. Lower-capacity syringes, such as 2cc and 5cc, have been phased out and replaced with auto-disable versions designed to prevent reuse. However, concerns remain over the continued availability of 10cc syringes, which can still be reused.
A health ministry spokesperson said investigations are under way to determine whether these syringes are contributing to new infections, with the possibility of further restrictions if necessary. The government has also pledged to strengthen oversight and enforcement to ensure safer medical practices.
Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal is said to be closely monitoring the situation, as authorities attempt to contain the spread of HIV and reassure international partners ahead of the expected review.
Analysts warn that without sustained reforms — including better regulation, improved healthcare practices and stronger accountability — Pakistan could face continued challenges in controlling the disease, despite significant international funding and support.
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