Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 31: Pakistan is among only 21 countries where new HIV infections continue to rise despite global progress in controlling the epidemic, according to a report published in The News Pakistan.
The report warned that recent cuts in international funding could further aggravate Pakistan's HIV situation, with the country recording an increase of more than 20 per cent in new HIV infections between 2010 and 2025.
Pakistan was listed alongside Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Brazil, Egypt and the Philippines among the few countries where the HIV epidemic continues to expand.
According to the report, the global fight against HIV has entered a fragile phase after unprecedented funding reductions in 2025 disrupted prevention programmes, HIV testing, community-led services and other essential interventions in many low- and middle-income countries.
It noted that external financing for HIV programmes declined by 18 per cent compared to 2024, raising concerns that decades of progress could be reversed unless governments and international donors restore funding.
While many countries have managed to sustain life-saving antiretroviral treatment by mobilising domestic resources, HIV prevention programmes remain particularly vulnerable as they continue to rely heavily on external financial support, the report said.
The warning comes as Pakistan prepares its Grant Cycle 8 funding proposal to the Global Fund, seeking more than USD 50 million for HIV interventions as part of a broader package covering HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.
The proposed funding will support antiretroviral therapy, HIV testing, laboratory strengthening, procurement of medicines and diagnostic equipment, disease surveillance, prevention programmes targeting high-risk groups and efforts to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
Globally, an estimated 41 million people were living with HIV at the end of 2025, according to the report. Around 1.2 million people contracted the virus during the year, while approximately 570,000 died from AIDS-related illnesses.