QUETTA: Director Health Services, Balochistan, Dr. Hashim Mengal, and Provincial Coordinator of the Provincial AIDS Control Program, Dr. Sehrain Nausherwani, have stated that the number of registered AIDS patients in Balochistan has reached 3,303.
Among these patients, 707 are women and 90 are transgender individuals. They informed that 452 AIDS patients have died in the province during the past year.
This was revealed during a press conference held at the Quetta Press Club on Sunday, along with Dr. Khudaidad Usmani, Dr. Ehsanullah, and Muhammad Khan Zehri.
The speakers said that World AIDS Day is observed every year on December 1 across Pakistan and the world to raise awareness against this deadly disease and to remember those who have lost their lives due to AIDS.
They said the red ribbon is an international symbol of solidarity with people living with AIDS. Each year, a theme is selected for World AIDS Day, and the theme for 2025 is “Breaking Barriers and Transforming the AIDS Response.”
They explained that AIDS is a life-threatening disease caused by the HIV virus, which weakens the human immune system.
Over time, the virus destroys the body’s natural defense system, making even common illnesses dangerous and fatal.
They further explained that HIV can enter a healthy person’s body through three main routes.
The first is through the transfusion of untested blood, the use of contaminated syringes, surgical instruments, barber tools such as razors and blades, instruments used for ear and nose piercing, and dental equipment.
The second route is from an infected mother to her child. The third major cause is unprotected sexual relations with an HIV-positive person.
Other transmission methods have also been identified. In Balochistan, a large number of HIV cases are linked to drug users who inject drugs, while another major source is same-gender sexual activity, including transgender individuals.
They stated that although the number of AIDS patients in Balochistan is increasing, it is encouraging that people showing symptoms are now coming forward for testing and registration.
Under the Provincial AIDS Control Program of the Balochistan Health Department, the number of registered AIDS patients has increased from 2,851 in 2024 to 3,303 in 2025, showing an increase of 452 cases in one year.
In 2024, the number of male patients was 2,075 and females were 600, while in 2025 the number of male patients has increased to 2,362 and females to 707.
They added that the highest number of AIDS patients has been reported in Quetta, where the total has reached 2,614, including 90 transgender individuals.
Other registered cases include 368 in Turbat, 159 in Hub, 66 in Naseerabad, and 96 in Loralai.
They further said that the Provincial AIDS Control Program has provided free screening facilities in all government hospitals across the province.
Additionally, AIDS therapy centers have been established in six districts, including Quetta and Turbat, where free treatment is being provided to patients.
The officials emphasized that the rising number of AIDS cases is mainly due to a lack of awareness among the public.
They added that the Provincial AIDS Control Program continues to conduct awareness campaigns and service activities throughout the year across different districts.
They stressed that collective efforts are needed to protect Balochistan from this deadly disease.
