HIV and AIDS threat remain a very serious problem in Pakistan mainly because of apathy of the governmnet in ignoring the emergence in the first place. The Pakistani government initially ignored the incidences of HIV and AIDS in Pakistan, and then took no efforts or policy stands to tackle it. Most of the Pakistani people are either unaware of the threat of AIDS or are unaware of their present status regarding AIDS. Many refuse to disclose it due to the social stigman and taboo that is associated with it. These men and women are even afraid to disclose this information to their families and partners. The result is that partners of HIV patients, especially women are very likely to contract the disease. Even more worrisome is the fact that many women, unaware of their HIV positive status may transfer the virus to their children. This alarming state of transmission will increase exponentially if there are no efforts taken to increase awareness among people and how to detect and counter it.
The transmission in Pakistan of HIV and AIDS has been carried through direct and indirect methods, including various forms of sexual practices. A group that runs one of the higher risks of acquiring HIV virus include those truck drivers who usually engage in homosexual or heterosexual practices outside their own marriage. They run a very high risk of devleoping HIV, and remaining undiagnosed. Intravenous drug abusers are also likely to suffer from HIV infections as many of them share their needles. Due to these nidus of various forms, Pakistan has been termed as “ low prevalence high risk” country regarding HIV infection.
Presently, the number of reported cases of HIV and AIDS are considered low and experts believe that these numbers are higher than reported. There are many reasons for it. Firstly, there are many people who are unaware of their HIV status. Secondly, they are diagnosed at very later stages, which may mean that they may have already transmitted the infection to their spouses and their children. Finally, many of those who do find out they suffer from HIV are likely to remain obscured and discreet about their condition due to the social stigma and the unaccepting attitude of the society towards the patients. Also lack of awareness makes many people believe that HIV patients are contagious. Proper education and literacy regarding this issue is very important.
The government can carry out certain projects that can help reduce the incidences of HIV in Pakistan and timely diagnosis of the patients and their treatment. an extensive and aggressive campaign regarding awareness of HIV, its mode of spread and how it can be prevented and treated should be carried out. There should be cliniccal centers that curatil especially to HIV patients and their families. Since HIV disease brings with it many psychological issues for the patient as well as the family, good psychiatric services should be provided to help them cope with the various phases of illnesses. The spouses should be encouraged to discuss and plan their lives around the disease so as to prevent any transmission of disease and to help ensure better quality of lives.
HIV and AIDS are preventable, and are in somewhat initial stages of spread in Pakistan. Through proper guidance and poliicy making, the HIV threat can be eliminated from Pakistan.
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