ISLAMABAD, Oct 31: Poverty, gender inequalities, low levels of education and illiteracy contribute to spread of HIV/AIDS in Pakistan.

Other related factors that can increase vulnerability at individual level include unemployment, social exclusion or marginalization, physical and mental abuse and gender based discrimination.

According to National HIV/AIDS Strategic Framework 2001- 2006, Pakistan, poverty is a major development concern in Pakistan, and maybe an important factor in the spread of HIV infection.

While estimates vary, recent documentations suggest that poverty is on the rise in Pakistan, and there are at least 36 million people (or 6 million households) that live below the poverty line according to the report of the Planning Commission.

It is important to note that poor suffer not just limitations in income; they also lack basic facilities and amenities which allow for full and meaningful life, the report said.

For instance, limitations in access to health and education restrict their ability to find work, which in turn limits their ability to make improvements in their lives.

Such limitations also increase the likelihood that those who are most vulnerable are least able to protect themselves from HIV infection, and, once infected, are least able to gain access to health and social support that they need.

The report adds that gender inequalities also play a role in the spread of HIV/AIDS in Pakistan.

Pakistani women in general have low socio economic status, less mobility and less decision-making power all of this increases their vulnerability to HIV/AIDS.

Due to gender disparities in educational enrolment, female literacy rate is much lower than that of males. Thus it is much harder to reach women than men with information about how they can protect themselves from HIV infection.