Key fact: People living with HIV who receive treatment can have a completely normal life expectancy and cannot transmit the virus when undetectable.
What Is HIV?
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) attacks the immune system. Without treatment, it can progress to AIDS. With modern antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV-positive people live healthy, full lives.
HIV in Pakistan
Pakistan has an estimated 210,000 people living with HIV. Only a fraction are diagnosed and receiving treatment. Stigma is the biggest barrier to testing and care.
How HIV Is Transmitted
- Unprotected sexual contact (vaginal, anal, oral — lowest risk)
- Sharing needles or syringes
- Blood transfusions (very rare with modern screening)
- Mother to child during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding (preventable with treatment)
HIV is NOT spread by hugging, kissing, sharing food or drink, swimming together, mosquitoes, or casual contact.
Prevention
- Condoms — reduce HIV transmission risk by over 90%
- PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) — daily pill that prevents HIV if exposed
- PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) — emergency treatment within 72 hours of potential exposure
- Regular testing — know your status and your partner's
Testing in Pakistan
- Indus Hospital Karachi — free, confidential HIV testing
- Aga Khan Hospital — rapid HIV test
- Government AIDS Control Programmes in all provinces — free testing
- NACP (National AIDS Control Programme) — government testing centres
Test results are confidential. Getting tested is a form of self-love. Knowing your status protects you and the people you care about.
If You Test Positive
You are not alone. Pakistan has treatment centres providing free ART. With treatment, you can live a normal life. Contact Nai Zindagi Trust or NACP for free support and medication.