The prevalence of HIV/AIDS cases in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been steadily increasing, with over 600 new diagnoses reported in just six months, bringing the total number of cases to 6,000. Among those affected are 279 children and 36 transgender individuals. Experts in the medical field attribute the rise in AIDS cases to a lack of education about the disease, sexual exploitation, and societal stigmatization.
To combat this issue, there is a need for widespread education and awareness campaigns to destigmatize HIV/AIDS and encourage testing and treatment. Additionally, governments and organizations must work together to provide support for those living with the disease and address the root causes of the increase in cases, including sexual exploitation and lack of education.
Although eight health centers have been established in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to provide free medicine and testing to those affected by AIDS, experts have emphasized the need for legislation regarding the disease. Medical professionals warn that the spread of HIV/AIDS in Pakistan has reached an alarming level, with an associated increase in the death rate. Despite this, only a small percentage of the population is aware of the disease.