DLP Report
PESHAWAR
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Minister Khaleeq ur Rehman on Wednesday said an estimated 39,000 people could be living with HIV in the province, while 10,655 patients have so far been officially registered, underscoring the need to strengthen prevention, early diagnosis and treatment services.
Addressing an advocacy event on HIV-related legislation organised by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Commission on the Status of Women, the minister said the registered cases included 7,721 men, 2,684 women and 250 transgender persons, highlighting the importance of ensuring inclusive healthcare for all segments of society.
Mr Rehman said the provincial government, under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Policy 2026, was expanding HIV screening services, ensuring the uninterrupted supply of antiretroviral medicines, strengthening laboratory facilities and disease surveillance, integrating HIV services with other public health programmes, and enhancing the capacity of healthcare professionals.
He stressed that HIV should be treated as a public health issue rather than a social stigma, saying every person living with the virus deserved dignity, timely diagnosis, uninterrupted treatment and equal access to quality healthcare.
Representatives of the non-governmental organisation Blue Veins also briefed participants on the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa HIV and AIDS Bill, 2019, outlining provisions aimed at protecting the rights of people living with HIV, preventing discrimination, safeguarding confidentiality and strengthening the legal framework for HIV prevention and treatment.
The minister said stigma, misinformation and discrimination remained among the biggest challenges in combating HIV and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with development partners, civil society organisations and healthcare professionals to strengthen prevention efforts and ensure equitable access to healthcare across the province.
