The Ministry of National Health has issued a clarification on media reports regarding AIDS cases in Islamabad, denying that there is any alarming increase in cases.
According to the Ministry of Health, there is no evidence of an epidemic situation of AIDS in Islamabad, and the number of monthly HIV cases in the capital remains normal, with fluctuations considered routine.
The Ministry stated that awareness about HIV/AIDS is increasing among citizens, leading more people to undergo screening. As screening increases, more cases are reported, therefore a rise in HIV/AIDS cases does not indicate an epidemic situation.
According to the Ministry, the total number of registered patients at PIMS, Polyclinic, and AIDS Center is 618, of which 210 belong to Islamabad, and it is incorrect to associate all 618 cases with Islamabad.
The clarification further stated that AIDS is more commonly detected among drug users and individuals involved in immoral activities, and higher registration of cases does not prove the spread of the disease, while early diagnosis and treatment of AIDS cases is a positive step.
