Health Ministry mobilizes coordinated action to curb rising HIV cases
Islamabad
A high-level meeting was held on 4th November 2025 at the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination (M/o NHSR&C) to review the recent rise in HIV cases and reinforce Pakistan’s national response.
The meeting, chaired by the Additional Secretary M/o NHSR&C, brought together representatives from UNAIDS, WHO, UNICEF, UNDP and civil society organizations (APLHIV & Nai Zindagi), coordinated by the Common Management Unit (CMU). Participants reviewed national and provincial data, identified key gaps, and agreed on immediate actions to strengthen coordination, service integration, and prevention efforts.
Under the guidance of the Honourable Federal Minister for Health, Syed Mustafa Kamal and the Secretary Health, the Additional Secretary reaffirmed that HIV prevention and control remain top national priorities. He expressed concern over the rising trend and pledged to personally chair future sessions to ensure strong leadership and sustained progress.
The Director General Health emphasized integrating HIV services within existing programs, improving provincial ownership, and ensuring data-driven planning. The Deputy National Coordinator, HIV-CMU, shared updated data showing increased detections due to enhanced screening and testing, and briefed participants on the upcoming Opioid Agonist Maintenance Therapy (OAMT) program launching in December.
On the direction of the Federal Minister for Health, the Ministry announced the formation of a Technical Working Group (TWG), led by the DG Health, with representation from provinces, UN partners, and community organizations to develop a concise HIV Response Strategy focusing on integration, domestic funding, and provincial participation.
Key priorities also include integrating HIV testing within Hepatitis and MCH services, strengthening blood safety and infection control, and implementing a responsible media communication strategy to promote awareness and reduce stigma.
Concluding the meeting, the Additional Secretary reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to a coordinated, transparent, and sustainable HIV response, stressing that Pakistan’s progress depends on collective action and strong provincial leadership.
