🚨 HIV Cases Alarming KP: Married Women and Children Among New Patients
Health experts sound an alarm. HIV cases alarming KP officials greatly worry them. Many new infections involve married women and children. This situation reveals a concerning shift. Authorities need to improve awareness campaigns quickly.
The Hidden Spread of HIV
Husbands often transmit the disease to their wives. Some men lived abroad or in other major cities. They contracted the virus there. Consequently, these women unintentionally pass it to their children. This is called vertical transmission. Experts say many people feel ashamed to get tested. Therefore, women often seek medical advice first. Men, however, stay away due to strong social stigma.
New data paints a serious picture. Khyber district now has 313 confirmed HIV cases. North Waziristan has 383 cases. The total number in merged districts is 1,488. Furthermore, the actual number is likely much higher. Stigma prevents many people from seeking help. The virus now moves beyond typical high-risk groups. This means the general population faces danger too.
Taking Action and Spreading Awareness
We must tackle this public health crisis. The virus is not just spreading through unsafe contact. Poor hygiene, contaminated transfusions, and shared tools contribute. For example, unsterilized surgical tools pose a risk. Community members remain unaware of these risks. Authorities should increase testing capacity immediately. Better public awareness is also crucial. Doctors urge campaigns in mosques and schools. Religious and community leaders should counter misinformation. We must combat the deep social stigma. People need accurate information and non-judgmental support.
