Common Management Unit for AIDS, TB & Malaria- Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination, in collaboration with UNFPA, UNAIDS, ACT International& Roche, hosted a national event today to mark World AIDS Day 2025, under the theme “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response.”
The event brought together government officials, development partners, youth representatives, and community leaders to highlight the importance of resilient HIV responses and community-driven solutions.
Dr Luay Shabaneh, Representative of UNFPA, delivered the welcome remarks, emphasising the role of partnerships in achieving national HIV goals.
DG Health MoNHSR&C/Deputy National Coordinator (CMU), Dr Abdul Wali, stated that it is estimated that 350,000 people are living with HIV in Pakistan, but almost 8 in 10 persons affected do not know their status. Children are increasingly affected, with new cases among those aged 0-14 years surging from 530 cases in 2010 to 1,800 in 2023.
This year’s theme, “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response,” reminds us that while challenges are inevitable, innovation, adaptability, and resilience can turn obstacles into opportunities. Today is a moment to reflect not only on the work we have done but also on the systems and approaches that keep our HIV response functional even during disruptions.
National Coordinator, CMU, presented an overview of the HIV response in Pakistan, showcasing progress, challenges, and strategic priorities. He said over the last decade, Pakistan has increased eightfold the number of persons living with HIV who receive antiretroviral therapy (ART) – from around 6,500 in 2013 to 55,500 in 2024 – thanks to joint efforts by the Government, UN entities, and partners.
The country has also increased the number of antiretroviral therapy centres from 13 in 2010 to 96 in 2025. However, the reality remains clear: Pakistan is still facing a concentrated HIV epidemic that demands faster, smarter, and more inclusive responses. Our mission is not only to expand services but to make them more accessible, client-centred, and stigma-free.
The Chief Guest, Special Secretary of the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination, Muhammad Aslam Ghouri, delivered remarks underscoring the government’s continued commitment to ending the HIV epidemic and supporting inclusive, people-centred interventions. He said, despite progress, in 2024, in Pakistan, only an estimated 21% of people living with HIV knew their status, 16% of them were on treatment, and 7% had achieved viral load suppression. Over 1,100 AIDS-related deaths were reported in 2024.
The surge in new cases and recent outbreaks that have particularly affected children – jeopardising their future and Pakistan’s future – are a stark reminder of the urgent need to intensify joint efforts and mobilise both international and domestic resources to end the public threat of AIDS for good. Pakistan has made notable advancements in expanding HIV testing, treatment, and prevention services, yet we recognise that significant gaps remain. In the face of disruptions from disease outbreaks to resource constraints, our commitment to the global target of ending AIDS by 2030 remains firm. Today, we renew our determination to transform the HIV response through innovation, resilience, and equity, ensuring that no one is left behind.
A key session titled “Empowering Youth Through Inclusive Life Skills Education for HIV Prevention” was delivered by Mubashar Nabi, Founder President of ACT, highlighting the critical role of youth engagement and education in HIV prevention.
Voices from the community were at the forefront of the discussions, including a presentation by a young member of the transgender community, sharing grassroots experience in community mobilisation and HIV prevention among key populations.
There was a panel discussion on Youth Leadership and the Role of Education in HIV Prevention, fostering dialogue between policymakers, educators, and youth leaders. The programme concluded with a theatrical presentation on HIV stigma reduction, aimed at raising awareness and promoting empathy, followed by closing remarks.
World AIDS Day 2025 serves as a reminder that, despite disruptions and challenges, collective action, community engagement, and transformative strategies are key to ending AIDS and ensuring no one is left behind.
