Ending HIV for mothers and children: a call to action |
Children have the right to health, yet in Pakistan thousands continue to face a rising number of preventable HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infections that jeopardise their futures, and Pakistan's progress.
We have the science to protect and save these children, but concerted action and political and financial commitment are needed to end this public health threat.
Despite progress in treatment access and joint efforts by the government, UN entities and partners, Pakistan has one of the fastest-growing HIV epidemics in Asia with new infections rising 200 per cent from 16,000 in 2010 to 48,000 in 2024. Children are increasingly affected: among those aged 0-14, cases have surged from 530 cases in 2010 to 1,800 in 2025. While HIV predominantly affected high-risk groups, it is now spreading to children, spouses and the wider community due to unsafe medical practices, gaps in maternal testing and weak infection prevention.
Without urgent action, the number of new HIV infections and deaths will rise, health systems will face greater strain and the goal of ending AIDS by 2030 will be missed.
In Pakistan, children were tragically exposed to HIV through........