QUETTA: Director Health Services Balochistan Dr. Hashim Mengal and Provincial Coordinator of the Provincial AIDS Control Programme Dr. Sehrin Noshirwani have said that the number of registered AIDS patients in Balochistan has reached 3,303, including 707 women and 90 transgender persons. In the past year alone, 452 AIDS patients died in the province.
They were addressing a press conference at the Quetta Press Club on Sunday along with Dr. Khudaidad Osmani, Dr. Ehsanullah and Muhammad Khan Zehri.
They said World AIDS Day is observed every year on December 1, not only in Pakistan but across the globe, to raise awareness about this deadly and life-threatening disease and to remember those who lost their lives to AIDS. The red ribbon is a global symbol of solidarity with those living with HIV/AIDS. Each year, World AIDS Day has a theme, and the theme for 2025 is “Overcoming Stagnation and Transforming the AIDS Response.”
They said AIDS is a life-threatening disease caused by the HIV virus, which weakens the human immune system. Over time, the virus destroys the body’s defence mechanism, making even minor infections severe and fatal. They stressed the importance of understanding how HIV spreads. The virus can enter a healthy body in three major ways:
Blood transfusion, especially when untested blood is used; shared syringes; unsterilized surgical tools; barber instruments such as razors; tools used for ear/nose piercing; and dental instruments. Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy or childbirth. Unprotected sexual contact with an HIV-infected person.
Other transmission routes also exist. They said that in Balochistan, HIV prevalence is highest among drug addicts who inject narcotics, followed by men who have sex with men, including transgender persons.
They added that although AIDS cases are increasing in the province, it is encouraging that more symptomatic patients are now coming forward for testing and registration. The number of registered patients has risen from 2,851 in 2024 to 3,303 in 2025—an increase of 452 patients in one year. Male patients increased from 2,075 in 2024 to 2,362 in 2025, while female patients rose from 600 to 707.
Quetta has the highest number of patients, with 2,614 cases, including 90 transgender persons. Other districts include Turbat with 368 cases, Hub with 159, Naseerabad with 66, and Loralai with 96 registered patients.
They said the Provincial AIDS Control Programme of the Balochistan Health Department has provided free screening facilities in government hospitals across the province. Additionally, AIDS therapy centres have been established in Quetta, Turbat and four other districts, offering free treatment to patients. The rising number of AIDS cases is largely due to lack of awareness among the public.
They added that the Provincial AIDS Control Programme continues awareness and service activities throughout the year and regularly visits various districts. They emphasised the need for collective efforts to free Balochistan from this deadly disease.
