ISLAMABAD: Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has directed ancillary departments to further strengthen HIV prevention, timely diagnosis, availability of treatment and public awareness campaigns across the country.

Chairing a meeting on HIV/AIDS situation in Pakistan, he directed that at least one HIV screening and treatment centre be established in every district to ensure citizens have access to quality treatment facilities within their own localities.

The meeting was attended by senior officials of the Common Management Unit (CMU) and representatives of international partner organisations.

The minister directed that at least one HIV screening and treatment centre be established in every district to ensure citizens have access to quality treatment facilities within their own localities.

Seeks at least one screening, treatment centre in every district

Mr Kamal also instructed that implementation of Border Health Services Regulation recommendations be made more effective and that proper screening of every individual entering through borders must be ensured.

He called for the development of a regular reporting mechanism in this regard.

Highlighting existing gaps, he noted that timely diagnosis of people living with HIV in the country was still not being fully achieved, stressing that coordinated and effective practical measures were indispensable to address the challenge.

He said public awareness remained the cornerstone of an effective fight against HIV/Aids and urged citizens to act responsibly by getting themselves screened. He stated that it was not only a matter of individual health but also of the safety of families and society at large.

“The federal government is fully committed to addressing this important public health issue on a priority basis,” he said.

According to the Ministry of Health spokesperson, all partner organisations appreciated the ongoing efforts under the leadership of the health minister and reaffirmed their commitment to continue full cooperation with the ministry.

Spokesperson health ministry Sajid Hussain Shah said that over the last decade, Pakistan had increased eightfold the number of persons living with HIV who received antiretroviral therapy (ART) - from around 6,500 in 2013 to 55,500 in 2024 - thanks to the joint efforts by the government, UN entities and partners.

“The country has also increased the number of antiretroviral therapy centres from 13 in 2010 to 96 in 2025, “ he said.

He said that according to estimated data there were 350,000 people living with HIV in Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, February 17th, 2026