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Pakistan is at a critical juncture in its fight against HIV. With an estimated 290,000 people living with the virus, rising infections– concentrated among vulnerable and marginalized populations– pose a growing public health concern. Alarmingly, only 23 percent of those living with HIV know their status, and just 15 percent are receiving lifesaving Antiretroviral Treatment (ART). Without urgent action, coordinated action, this concentrated epidemic could escalate into a wider public health crisis.
In response, the Global Fund-supported HIV grant, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Ministry of National Health Services, provincial health departments, and community organizations, is playing a crucial role in scaling up prevention, treatment, care and support services across Pakistan.
Providing HIV Prevention, Treatment, Care & Support
Addressing HIV in Pakistan demands a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach that combines targeted interventions for key populations with cross-sectoral collaborations and investments in health systems. To achieve this, UNDP applies a human rights-based approach to ensure that people can access services without fear of stigma or discrimination.
Over the last few years, UNDP has significantly expanded prevention outreach, increasing community-led prevention sites from 19 to 53 across 19 cities. To reach people where they are, we’ve also mobilized 134 motor bikes and 44 mobile vans, ensuring discreet, effective outreach to key populations.
These investments have translated into real impact: by the end of 2024, the number of individuals reached rose from just over 20,000 in late 2021 to more than 176,00 by the end of 2024. In total, 1.3 million individuals from key populations have accessed prevention packages during the current grant cycle.
Yet, structural barriers persist. Low ART enrollment rates, treatment drop-offs, and limited retention in care remain ongoing challenges. To address these gaps, UNDP has strengthened health systems, including through the provision of refrigerated trucks for secure treatment transport to key hot spots, the improvement of the Health Management Information System, and the training of more than 500 healthcare providers and outreach teams.
Sustaining Progress through Innovation and Inclusion
Despite progress, major disparities remain. To strengthen long-term outcomes, UNDP supported the establishment of Opioid Agonist Maintenance Therapy (OAMT) centers in Punjab and Sindh’s public hospitals, building capacity and securing regulatory approvals to improve access for people who use drugs–a key affected group.
Introduction of innovative services like community-based HIV self-testing, and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) are expanding choices for high-risk populations, empowering individuals to take charge of their health with confidential, community-drive solutions. This also includes embracing innovation. Digital platforms like UNDP’s "Sehat Dost" are connecting more than 4,200 regular users with timely information, referral to services, and self-testing kits.
This World Health Day reminds us that health is a fundamental right, not a privilege. Guided by this belief, UNDP has helped conduct Pakistan’s first Integrated Biological Behavioural Surveillance in seven years, gathering data from over 33,000 individuals from key populations across 31 districts. Insights from this critical study provided to the Ministry of National Health Services has resulted in the development of key strategies like the Law Enforcement Agencies Engagement Strategy and the National HIV&AIDS Advocacy & Communications Strategy. UNDP also spearheaded Pakistan’s first HIV Gender Assessment and facilitated the HIV Stigma Index Study 2.0 after 13 years. These critical studies shed light on the lived realities of people living with HIV (PLHIV) and ensure that policy decisions are rooted in reality.
Supporting Marginalized Communities for a Healthier Future
For UNDP, tackling HIV is inseparable from advancing dignity, inclusion, and justice. Through our Access to Justice Initiative, we have reached more than 10,000 individuals with legal awareness and provided legal aid to over 3,000 people, enabling PLHIV to assert their rights in the face of discrimination.
Pakistan’s first community-led HIV monitoring system, developed with UNDP’s support, is another milestone. It enables key populations to identify and address human rights violations in real time. Alongside this, our Legal Environment Scan for HIV and Human Rights is driving efforts to align national policies with the principles of justice, equity, and public health.
Looking Ahead: A Future Without HIV Stigma
UNDP remains committed to supporting Pakistan’s national HIV response, improving access to care, and supporting the government’s efforts to reach the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets by 2030.
As Moon Ali, Director Programs at Khawaja Sira Society, shared: “From awareness campaigns to PrEP advocacy, communities have played a vital role in reducing HIV stigma and improving treatment access.”
The road ahead is challenging but it is also filled with opportunity. On this World Health Day, UNDP reaffirms its commitment to a healthier, more inclusive Pakistan—where HIV prevention, treatment, and care are rights enjoyed by all, not privileges, and no one is left behind.
Authored By
Summayyah Rasheed
Programme Officer, Stigma and Discrimination – HIV Prevention Grant
United Nations Development Programme