Sindh Reports 3,900 Children With HIV as Pakistan Cases Hit 417,214
According to the Health Ministry's report, Sindh has the highest number of reported HIV cases among children, followed by Punjab with 1,765 cases and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 139.
Sindh has recorded the highest number of children living with HIV in Pakistan, with 3,900 reported cases, as the Ministry of National Health Services revealed that the country’s estimated HIV caseload has reached 417,214.
The figures were presented in the National Assembly in response to a question raised by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) lawmaker Dr Sharmila Faruqui, highlighting concerns over HIV transmission among children and access to treatment across the country.
According to the Health Ministry’s report, Sindh has the highest number of reported HIV cases among children, followed by Punjab with 1,765 cases and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 139.
Balochistan has reported 46 cases, Islamabad 30, Azad Jammu and Kashmir four, and Gilgit-Baltistan one.
The provincial figures indicate that at least 5,885 children are living with HIV across Pakistan, with Sindh accounting for the overwhelming majority of reported cases.
Responding to the parliamentary question, Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal informed the National Assembly that federal and provincial governments had taken measures to prevent further transmission of HIV.
According to the September 2026 review report, Pakistan’s estimated HIV caseload stands at 417,214, of whom 92,148 are registered with the healthcare system.
The report further revealed that 67,878 patients are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), a treatment used to manage HIV infection and reduce the risk of further transmission.
The figures highlight a substantial gap between the estimated number of people living with HIV and those registered for medical care.
Based on the ministry’s data, approximately 22 per cent of the estimated HIV population is registered, while around 16 per cent is receiving antiretroviral treatment.
The disclosure has brought renewed attention to the challenges facing Pakistan’s HIV prevention and treatment programmes, particularly the need for early diagnosis, access to specialised healthcare and measures to prevent transmission among children.
The Ministry of Health’s figures also underscore the importance of strengthening coordination between federal and provincial health authorities to improve HIV screening, registration and treatment coverage nationwide.
