Arshad Altaf.
Changing patterns of HIV/AIDS epidemic in Pakistan.
Med Today Jan ;2(4):116-7.

Until recently Pakistan was considered low prevalence but high-risk country for HIV/AIDS, due to low number of reported cases (2197 up to December 2003)` and high prevalence of risk factors. Surveillance data from National AIDS Control Program, from 1986 up to December 2003 suggests HIV/AIDS Surveillance Project of Canadian International Development Agency that heterosexual contact as the predominant mode of transmission of HIV infection, (about 70% reported cases). Majority of reported cases were deported overseas Pakistani workers from Gulf Countries. However, following the first outbreak of HIV infection among IDUs in Larkana, Sindh in June 2003 where initially 19 2 and later 45 cases were confirmed the local trend is noticeably changing. Recent surveillance data from Sindh province and research studies conducted in the country in year 2004 clearly show a shift in the HIV epidemic. Epidemiological data from four harm reduction programs (Marie Adelaide, Ibtida, Pakistan Society & Al Nijat) indicate that large numbers of IDUs are testing positive. Out of a total of 5000 IDUs registered with four Drop in Centers (DICs) receiving harm reduction services for more than one year, 2088 were tested for HIV infection of which 150 (7.18%) tested positive for HIV infection. Baseline studies conducted at the time of registration revealed that no one was HIV infected. 4`S These data indicate that Pakistan may already have progressed from low to concentrated level of the epidemic. This is an Editorial.

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