The city’s Central district has reported the highest number of HIV positive cases in Sindh so far, officials of the Communicable Diseases Control confirmed Monday
According to the deputy director of the Directorate General Health Service, DrIrshadKazmi, 2,725 cases were reported in the Central district alone.
The second-highest number of cases was recorded in Larkana followed by Hyderabad.Till August 2021, 15,952 people in Sindh tested positive for HIV, of which 2,522 were women, 1,971 children, and 454 transgender persons.
“One of the major reasons behind the increasing number of HIV transmissions are quacks who are involved in the usage of unsafe injections and contaminated medical equipment,” DrKazmi said at a recent workshop in Karachi on the role of media in strengthening HIV response.
“The Sindh Healthcare Commission has been taking action against these people and their unsafe practices.
In 2019, the HIV outbreak in children was unearthed in Larkana’sRatodero town. The news shook Pakistan and made international headlines.
“Treatment of these patients is underway at 16 Antiretroviral Therapy centers run by the Sindh Health Department,” the deputy director said.
“We intend to initiate the ‘Know Your Status’ campaign to raise awareness among people to get tested.”
