Monday, Sindh has reported 15,952 HIV cases this year. With Karachi’s central district taking the lead, reported the officials of Communicable Diseases Control.
The Director of General Health Service, Dr Irshad Kazmi, informed that 2725 cases were reported in karachi’s central district alone. Followed by Larkana and Hyderabad.
Uptil August 15,952 people in Sindh tested positive for HIV, of which 2,522 were women, 1,971 children, and 454 transgender persons.
Dr Kazmi stated that, “One of the major reasons behind the increasing number of HIV transmissions are quacks who are involved in the usage of unsafe injections and contaminated medical equipment,”. The lack of awareness was a key issue, he emphasized the role of media in educating the public about hygiene and precautionary measures.
“The Sindh Healthcare Commission has been taking action against these people and their unsafe practices.” (Via Samaa Tv)
The patients are undergoing treatment at antiretroviral therapy centers run by the Sindh health Department. The Health department also plans on initiating a ”know your status” campaign which will encourage people to get tested.
In 2019, the HIV outbreak attacked children in Larkana. Hundreds tested positive in 2019 after a whistle-blower doctor uncovered a scandal involving reuse of needles in southern Sindh province.
MORE ABOUT HIV
What is HIV?
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome)
How is it transmitted?
HIV can be transmitted by unprotected sex, injecting drugs, reuse of medical needles and syringes, blood transfusion, organ transplants.
Touching, shaking hands, hugging or even eating with someone who has HIV will not give you HIV. HIV does not spread through mosquitoes or any other animal.
What are the symptoms of HIV?
Fever, Chills, Rash, Night sweats, Muscle aches, Sore throat, Fatigue, Swollen lymph nodes.
How can it be treated?
Treatment for HIV is lifelong. It involves taking medicines called antiretroviral drugs that keep the HIV virus load low in the body. As long as the virus is suppressed in the body, the person can lead a normal, healthy life.
