HIV/AIDS and its risk factors in Pakistan

Abstract

Pakistan currently reports a low prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Concern over the potential for an expanded HIV epidemic in the country is mainly due to segments of the Pakistani population who engage in high-risk practices a low level of public knowledge about HIV/AIDS dangerous blood transfusion and inoculation practices and Pakistans proximity to India a country which has experienced a rapid increase in the prevalence of HIV/AIDS. The limited data currently available on HIV/AIDS prevalence in Pakistan are presented. By November 1996 64 cases of AIDS had been reported to Pakistans National AIDS Program. However the World Health Organization estimated that by the end of 1994 there were really 40000 people infected with HIV. Data from point-prevalence studies suggest that foreign and Pakistani nationals who have either worked abroad or as seafarers may comprise a sizeable proportion of the recognized HIV/AIDS cases. The studies also documented cases of HIV infection among people with multiple sex partners blood transfusion recipients and prisoners. Heterosexual contact appears to be the dominant mode of viral transmission. Lifestyle risk factors and health care practices which contribute to HIV transmission are described.