PESHAWAR: A sharp rise in HIV cases has been reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with health authorities calling the situation a growing public health challenge.
According to the provincial health department, 481 new cases have been recorded during the first four months of 2026, raising concerns among medical experts about the pace of transmission.
Director of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa AIDS Control Program, Dr. Tariq Hayat, said the total number of affected individuals in the province has now reached 10,281, up from 9,800 last year.
Data shows that among those infected, 7,178 are men, 2,381 women, and 235 transgender individuals. Alarmingly, 487 children under the age of 15 have also been diagnosed, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
Health experts have warned that despite the availability of treatment facilities, stronger efforts are needed to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS. They emphasized the importance of public awareness, preventive measures, and early diagnosis to control further transmission.
Officials say enhanced screening programs, education campaigns, and community engagement will be critical in addressing the rising trend and preventing a wider outbreak.
