KARACHI: More than 2,000 students enrolled in religious seminaries across Sindh have been screened for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), with no positive cases detected, according to provincial health authorities.
The screening was conducted as part of Sindh’s ongoing public health and disease surveillance efforts aimed at promoting early detection, awareness, and prevention of HIV. Officials said the initiative focused on ensuring the well-being of students while expanding access to voluntary testing and health education.
Health authorities noted that the results are encouraging but emphasized that continued awareness campaigns, routine screening, and preventive measures remain essential to controlling the spread of HIV. They added that the province will continue to strengthen surveillance and encourage voluntary testing among different segments of the population.
Pakistan has witnessed a rise in HIV cases in recent years, prompting federal and provincial governments to expand testing programs, improve treatment facilities, and increase public awareness to reduce stigma associated with the disease.
Officials reiterated that early diagnosis and access to appropriate medical care are key to preventing transmission and ensuring better health outcomes for those living with HIV
