HIV Uncovered: Key Facts, Statistics, and ART in Pakistan

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system. If left untreated, HIV can lead to the disease AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), which is the final stage of HIV infection. Keep reading as we discuss the causes, symptoms, and prevention of HIV.

What is HIV?

Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Infection remains a big stigma not only in our society but also in the western world. As the name implies, this virus weakens the body’s immune system by destroying the body’s natural protective cells. If left untreated, these protective cells fall below a critical limit and this advanced form of the infection is called AIDS. The weakening of the immune system puts the patient at risk of getting many other life-threatening super-infections.

Causes Of HIV

HIV is spread predominantly by sexual contact, sharing syringes/ needles/ surgical instruments, or unscreened blood transfusion. An HIV-positive mother who is not on treatment can also transfer the virus to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. However, HIV does not spread by touch or casual contact, such as sharing food utensils, towels, and bedding.

Following is the list of possible causes of HIV:

1. Unprotected Sexual Contact: The most common mode of transmission is through unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person, particularly anal, vaginal, or oral sex.
2. Sharing Needles: Sharing needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment with an infected person can lead to HIV transmission.
3. From Mother to Child: An infected mother can pass the virus to her baby during childbirth or breastfeeding.
4. Blood Transfusions: Though rare nowadays due to stringent screening processes, HIV can be transmitted through contaminated blood or blood products.
5. Occupational Exposure: Healthcare workers may be at risk if they come into contact with HIV-infected blood or bodily fluids through accidental needle sticks or other mishaps.

Early Symptoms of HIV

Following are the early symptoms of HIV:

1. Headaches
2. A red rash
3. Sore throat
4. Fatigue
5. Fever
6. Muscle aches
7. Swollen lymph nodes

Symptoms Of AIDS – 3rd Stage of HIV

Ignoring the illness will weaken the person’s immune system, and hence, the infection will progress to the 3rd stage, i.e., AIDS. The symptoms of AIDS include:

1. Tiredness
2. Night sweats
3. Unexplained weight loss
4. Diarrhea
5. Long-lasting fever
6. Unexplained bruises or bleeding
7. Shortness of breath

HIV In Pakistan – Overview and Stats

HIV is a growing concern in Pakistan. According to statistics provided by UNAIDS, around 290,000 people in Pakistan were affected by the virus in 2023. The major chunk of these people included men aged 15 and over at 230,000, followed by women aged 15 and over at 54,000, and lastly, children at around 8,300 reported cases.

Another concern is that most Pakistanis living with HIV aren’t aware that they are affected. Stats show that only 66,000 people out of the 290,000 affected by the virus were aware of their status. This is an alarming statistic as it shows that there is a high chance of the virus spreading to other people further increasing the HV burden of the country. To explain, HIV can be transmitted through unprotected sex, from mother to infant through breast milk, through blood transfusions, or by sharing needles with an infected individual. When HIV-affected individuals aren’t aware of their status, they are more likely to act as silent spreaders by unknowingly spreading the virus to others, even their own children, through breastfeeding.

ART Therapy For HIV

Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) is the standard treatment for HIV infection. It involves taking a combination of HIV medicines daily or taking a shot every one or two months. While Antiretroviral Therapy doesn’t cure HIV, it can help manage symptoms and help people reach undetectable levels of the virus. It can also stop the virus from progressing to later stages, such as AIDS, and strengthen the immune system to help individuals live healthy lives.

Benefits of ART

ART works by reducing the amount of HIV in the blood to very low or undetectable levels. It can help in the following ways:

• Prevent the progression of HIV to AIDS.
• Strengthen the immune system
• Reduce the risk of HIV transmission to others

Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) in Pakistan

Due to lack of awareness, many HIV-affected individuals are not aware of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Hence, they fail to get the proper treatment to stop the disease progression on time, which can prove to be fatal. According to the stats, only 45,000 (15%) of the total HIV-affected individuals in Pakistan were on ART in 2023.

If you are someone who is affected by HIV in Pakistan know that help is available. There are over 70 antiretroviral therapy centres in the country spread across various areas. Moreover, affected individuals can also get free antiretroviral medications (ARVs) from these centres. Therefore, we must spread awareness regarding ART and encourage people to get screening and treatment. By spreading awareness, we can work together to end the stigma surrounding HIV, which deters people from seeking help.

Prevention Of HIV

Prevention is the best strategy against HIV. This infection is not curable, meaning once a person acquires this virus, it is not possible to get rid of it. However, there are very effective medicines that can stop this virus’s ability to multiply in our body, leading to the preservation/ recovery of protective cells. Therefore HIV patients who take their medicines regularly live the life of an average person and have a good life expectancy. Treatment also reduces the chances of transmission to other people.

Here are some preventive measures we can take to stay safe from HIV and contain its spread:

1. Safe Sex: Using condoms consistently and correctly during every sexual encounter can significantly reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
2. Testing: Getting tested and knowing your partner’s HIV status is important for making informed decisions about sexual activity.
3. Education and Awareness: Increasing awareness about HIV transmission and prevention can help dispel myths and encourage safer behaviors. Platforms dedicated to spreading authentic sexual and reproductive health information in Pakistan, such as Bolo Health, can help individuals make informed decisions to protect themselves not only from HIV but sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unintended pregnancies, and other reproductive health issues.

Conclusion

If you notice any HIV symptoms, consult your doctor immediately to get an HIV test. You can use oladoc to book your appointments with the best doctors in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and other cities without any extra charges.