Quetta, Dr. Mir Khalid Qambrani, manager of the Balochistan AIDS Control Program, reported a concerning rise in registered HIV cases in the province, with Quetta, the provincial capital, recording 2,358 cases in 2023. This alarming statistic reflects a growing health crisis in the region, with men, women, children, and transgender individuals affected.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Balochistan, Dr. Qambrani revealed the number of HIV cases in other areas of Balochistan, including Turbat with 339 registered patients and Naseerabad with 8. The data underscores the need for heightened awareness and preventative measures, particularly on World AIDS Day, celebrated on December 1st, which sees various activities organized in Balochistan to raise awareness about AIDS.

Dr. Qambrani emphasized the importance of using clean and new needles and syringes, avoiding needle stick injuries, and ensuring sterile conditions during medical procedures like ear, nose, dental surgery, and childbirth. He cautioned against the risks posed by unscreened blood, unsterilized syringes, and improperly sterilized medical tools, pointing out that these factors contribute significantly to the spread of HIV in the region.

Highlighting the high-risk districts for AIDS in Balochistan, including Quetta, Gwadar, Turbat, Zhob, Shirani, and Naseerabad, Dr. Qambrani mentioned that the mining areas also have a high prevalence of the AIDS-causing virus. He stated that there are five centers for free AIDS treatment and medicine availability in Balochistan, with screening centers in all district health centers.

Dr. Qambrani stressed the need to create a supportive environment for people living with HIV, ensuring they face no stigma or difficulties in seeking treatment and expressing their condition. The rising HIV cases in Balochistan call for urgent action to educate the public, prevent new infections, and provide adequate care and support to those affected.