PESHAWAR: Palwasha’s (not her real name) story is one of resilience and hope. She was diagnosed with HIV following blood transfusion when she was 16. Now 34, she lives a fulfilling life despite the challenges. But she is grateful that treatment coupled with precaution, she was able to limit the disease to herself. “I am happy that my husband and children have tested negative,” she says, her voice filled with gratitude.

However, Palwasha’s experience is not unique. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is grappling with an alarming rise in HIV cases. The province’s HIV prevalence has increased significantly, particularly among pregnant women, drug users, and the general population.

Dr Yasir Hayat Taj, HIV programme officer, attributes the increase to improved testing capacity. “Previously, HIV testing was not frequently performed, even in established setups,” he says. Mandatory HIV testing before blood transfusions and surgeries has also contributed to the surge, he adds.

High-risk groups include transgender persons, injectable drug users, sex workers, and pregnant women. Factors contributing to the surge include inadequate testing, stigma, high-risk behaviour, and limited access to self-testing kits.

The current statistics paint a grim picture. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has recorded a total of 8,063 registered HIV cases with disturbing trends indicating a shift from high-risk groups to the general population.

This includes 5,656 adult males, 1,847 adult females, 149 transgender individuals, 243 child males, and 168 child females. Alarmingly, 1,396 patients have succumbed to the disease while on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), and 1,126 patients have been lost to follow-up. Peshawar has been hardest hit, accounting for over 4,000 cases, followed by Bannu.

Palwasha’s story highlights the human cost of stigma and ignorance. Initially, she hid her diagnosis from her family, fearing rejection. “People reacted poorly, stigmatising HIV as a disease of immoral individuals,” she says. Her husband’s unwavering support helped her cope with the disease.

As president of the Association of People Living with HIV/AIDS Community, Palwasha dedicates herself to supporting HIV-positive patients. “I facilitate access to treatment, provide vital information, conduct awareness sessions, and serve as a public relations counselor.”

KP’s HIV programme has expanded, with 13 centres providing free testing, prevention, and treatment services. Primary centres include HMC, LRH, and Ayub Medical Complex Abbottabad.

However, confidentiality concerns and societal stigma hinder efforts. Many patients seek treatment in other districts to maintain anonymity. Self-testing kits are unavailable in KP, unlike Punjab and Sindh.

The treatment is lifelong, but with medication, HIV-positive individuals can live up to 70-80 years. HIV rarely kills people, AIDS is the extreme case where body organs stop working.

To combat the spread, KP must prioritise enhanced testing, awareness, and confidentiality measures. By addressing stigma and promoting education, KP can mitigate the impact of this growing concern.

For Palwasha, her journey is a testament to resilience. “If there’s a disease, there’s a cure,” she says. Her story serves as a beacon of hope for those affected by HIV/AIDS in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Published in Dawn, October 20th, 2024