The alarming rise in HIV cases in Pakistan, now the second fastest in the Asia-Pacific region, presents a crisis that rivals the country’s ongoing battle with polio. HIV is no longer a distant threat but a harsh reality that our healthcare system is struggling to contain. With over 220,000 people already affected, the rapid increase in cases signals a failing response on both governmental and societal fronts.

Pakistan’s healthcare infrastructure is ill-equipped to manage the growing HIV crisis. While efforts have been made, the fragmented system, lack of resources, and poor public awareness hinder any comprehensive control. Much like polio, HIV requires a unified national strategy that goes beyond just treating patients. It calls for a well-rounded approach that includes prevention, awareness, and destigmatisation. Stigma remains a critical barrier. For many, an HIV diagnosis is seen as a moral failing rather than a medical condition, leading to discrimination and silence. This cultural stigma ensures that those affected are often reluctant to seek help, further exacerbating the problem. Public health campaigns need to confront these outdated perceptions, and the government must encourage open discussions around HIV in both urban and rural areas.

Addressing this crisis requires immediate action. Comprehensive sex education, widespread availability of testing centres, and access to antiretroviral therapy are non-negotiable. The government should work closely with NGOs to ensure marginalised communities have access to necessary healthcare. This is not merely a health issue but a societal one.

It is essential to act now, before the crisis spirals further out of control. Pakistan cannot afford to let another public health challenge slip through its fingers.