KARACHI: The Centre of Biomedical Ethics and Culture (CBEC) at the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT), in collaboration with the World Health Organization’s Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (WHO-EMRO), held a one-day seminar focusing on Pakistan’s evolving HIV epidemic and the growing number of children affected by the disease.
Titled “Nothing about Us, Without Us: Ethical Responses to the Evolving HIV Epidemic in Pakistan: Regional and Global Implications,” the seminar brought together health experts, healthcare professionals, bioethicists, public health specialists, journalists and civil society representatives.
According to WHO figures presented during the event, new HIV cases among children aged up to 14 years increased from 530 in 2010 to around 1,800 in 2023, highlighting the need for stronger prevention, early diagnosis and access to treatment.
CBEC Chairperson Professor Aamir Jafarey and Dr Arshad Altaf of WHO-EMRO delivered the opening remarks, while Professor Elizabeth Bukusi from Nairobi, Kenya, gave the keynote address online. She shared lessons from Africa’s experience in responding to HIV in resource-limited settings and emphasised stronger healthcare systems, improved treatment access and meaningful involvement of affected communities.
Dr Muhammad Shahid Jamil of WHO-EMRO discussed the HIV response across the Eastern Mediterranean Region, focusing on common challenges and opportunities for greater regional cooperation.
Dr Samreen Sarfaraz of Indus Hospital and Health Network reviewed Pakistan’s HIV situation, including misconceptions surrounding the disease, changing infection patterns, HIV among children and key populations, healthcare-associated transmission, stigma, delayed diagnosis and barriers to treatment and support.
Speakers stressed that Pakistan’s HIV challenge cannot be addressed through medical treatment alone. Fear, misinformation, stigma and lack of trust can discourage people from seeking testing and healthcare. Protecting the privacy, dignity and rights of people living with HIV was therefore identified as an essential part of an effective public-health response.
The seminar called for safer and more accountable healthcare systems, expanded access to HIV testing and treatment, stronger infection-prevention measures and greater participation from affected communities. The theme “Nothing about Us, Without Us” reinforced the importance of involving patients, families and communities in decisions that affect their health.
Representatives from UNOPS, Nai Zindagi Trust Sindh, Bridge Consultants Foundation, health media and civil society organisations also participated in the discussions.
The event concluded with a call for a comprehensive HIV response combining quality healthcare, public awareness, ethical medical practices, equal access to services and respect for the dignity and rights of people living with HIV.
