Islamabad: The number of children living with HIV in Pakistan has raised serious concerns after the Ministry of National Health Services presented province-wise statistics in the National Assembly. The figures highlight the growing need for effective prevention, early diagnosis, and improved healthcare facilities for children across the country.
According to the information shared in Parliament, Sindh has reported the highest number of HIV-positive children, with 3,900 cases. Punjab ranks second with 1,765 affected children, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has reported 139 cases. The figures also include 46 children in Balochistan and 30 in Islamabad.
The parliamentary data further revealed that four children in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and one child in Gilgit-Baltistan are living with HIV. These provincial figures bring the reported number of HIV-positive children to 5,885, highlighting the importance of strengthening healthcare monitoring and prevention programmes.
The information was presented by Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal in response to a question raised by Pakistan Peoples Party MNA Dr Sharmila Faruqui. The minister stated that federal and provincial governments had taken steps to prevent further transmission of HIV and improve the response to the disease.
According to the September 2026 review report, Pakistan has an estimated 417,214 people living with HIV. However, only 92,148 individuals are registered, while 67,878 patients are receiving Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), which is used to control HIV infection and help patients maintain their health.
The difference between the estimated number of people living with HIV and those registered or receiving treatment highlights the importance of expanding HIV testing, improving access to healthcare services, and encouraging early diagnosis. Children living with HIV also require continuous medical care, appropriate treatment, and protection from discrimination.
