QUETTA: The number of registered AIDS patients in Balochistan has risen to 3,303, including 707 women and 90 transgender persons, with 452 related deaths reported over the past year, senior health officials revealed on Sunday. The figures were shared during a press conference at the Quetta Press Club ahead of World AIDS Day 2025, observed globally today.
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Director of Health Services Balochistan Dr Hashim Mengal, joined by Dr Sehrin Noshirwani, provincial coordinator of the AIDS Control Programme, said the rise in reported cases also reflects improved surveillance. Registered HIV cases increased from 2,851 in 2024 to 3,303 in 2025, marking 452 new registrations within a year.
Officials noted that more patients are coming forward for screening and treatment, which they described as a positive shift. Male patients saw the highest jump, rising from 2,075 to 2,362, while female patients increased from 600 to 707. Transgender individuals accounted for 90 of the total registered cases.
On World AIDS Day, LG Shri Manoj Sinha emphasized that it is our collective responsibility to work towards an AIDS-free nation and Jammu & Kashmir. Awareness, compassion and timely medical intervention are key to saving lives and ensuring a healthier society. pic.twitter.com/GMMFNhJFNs
— Dr Mohammad Amin (@DrMohammadAmi10) December 1, 2025
Quetta remained the most affected district with 2,164 cases, followed by Turbat with 368, Hub with 158, Naseerabad with 66 and Loralai with 96. The officials identified drug-injecting users as the group with the highest HIV prevalence, followed by men who have sex with men and transgender persons.
They explained that HIV weakens the immune system and spreads through unprotected sex, mother-to-child transmission, and blood exposure via untested transfusions, shared syringes or unsterilised medical and barber tools. They attributed the rising cases largely to low public awareness.
To curb infections, the Balochistan Health Department has set up AIDS therapy centres in Quetta, Turbat and four other districts, offering free treatment and screening at government hospitals. Officials said awareness drives are conducted throughout the year to educate communities.
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They emphasised that the red ribbon remains a global symbol of solidarity with those living with HIV/AIDS, stressing the need for unified efforts to free Balochistan from the disease. The event was also attended by Dr Khudaidad Osmani, Dr Ehsanullah and Muhammad Khan Zehri.