The study reveals growing prevalence of HIV in FSW, TGS, MSM

• The results of the study were notified to the Ministry of National Health Services.
• The prevalence of HIV among people with disabilities was drastically reduced to 27%.
• There is an urgent need to increase access to the condom, to promote its use.

ISLAMABAD: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has spread rapidly to specific populations, including female sex workers (FSWS), men who have sex with men (MSM) and transsexuals (TGS) due to sex without protection and protection limited access to preventive measures.

An exhibition presented in the sixth round of Integrated Biological and Behavioral Surveillance (IBBS) presented the growth and alarming trends in the HIV epidemic in Pakistan, The news reported.

The initial results of the study were notified to the Ministry of National Health, Regulations and Coordinations on Tuesday. The study was conducted by the Academy of Health Services (HSA) in collaboration with the Progressive Development Initiative (PDI), the United Kingdom, the HIV Surveillance Research Center and the HIV Fellowship Center (HIVHub), Iran, almost almost Ten years after the last round.

The results have a mixed image, showing the effectiveness of the damage reduction programs for people who inject drugs (PWID) and the growing prevalence of HIV on sex networks, which act as a link between important groups and the general public.

While MSM reports 7% HIV prevalence, from 5.6% in the latest survey, prevalence between TG has increased to 10%, from 7.2% in 2016. The prevalence between FSW has also increased, from 2 , 2% in 2016 at 3.8% right now. The prevalence of HIV among the people with disabilities, on the other hand, has dramatically reduced from 38.4% in 2016 to 27%, thanks to the reduction of damage and the movement to use non -injectable drugs, such as ice or methamphetamine.

HIV’s 4.7% dominance between prisoners – the first -time evaluated in IBBS – is one of the most worrying results. In penitentiary institutions, crowding, inaccessible access to condoms and unprocessed drug use contribute to the spread of HIV to this sub -served demographic element.

One of the largest surveys to date to measure HIV prevalence in Pakistan, IBBS round 6 searched and examined 28,377 people, including 6,500 Pwid, 7,606 MSM, 6,670 FSWS, 7,601 TGs and 5,000 detainees.

The study was conducted in 31 areas, providing wide geographical representation, including Karachi, Lahorei, Islamabad, Pesavar, Queta, Fiasalabad, Multan, Sukour, Hyderabad, Jakomabad, Larcana, Larcana, Larcana, Larcana, Larcana.

The findings highlight significant obstacles to condoms between TG, MSM and FSW. While over 50% of TG and MSM reported condom use, gaps in consistent use remain, especially during high -risk meetings. Among the FSWs, the use of condoms remains at about 40%, which is prevented by the limited availability of female condoms, customer refusal and stigma associated with transport or condoms.

These gaps emphasize the urgent need for targeted interventions to increase access to condoms and promote their consistent use. Efforts to reduce Pwid damage have proven success, as the increased availability of needle exchange programs in both the public and private sectors helps reduce HIV prevalence in this group. However, challenges such as unsafe injections, stigma and substance abuse continue to pose risks.

The integration of prisoners as a vulnerable population in the IBBS for the first time has shed light on the vulnerable points of incarcerated people.

The findings emphasize the urgent need for integrated HIV prevention, testing and treatment services within penitentiary institutions.

Comparative analysis with 2016 data reflects a mixed result. While declining prevalence between Pwid means progress, increasing rates between TG, MSM and FSW reveal serious gaps in prevention strategies. These gaps are further deteriorated by the stigma, discrimination and limited approach efforts that prevent access to care and protection measures for these populations.

The exhibition also highlights educational inequalities between basic populations. A significant proportion of TGs, MSMs and FSWs are deprived of secondary education, limiting their awareness of prevention and protective measures. Among the people with disabilities, training levels are even lower, with many being completely illiterate. The research also evaluated the detainees, revealing that while some had completed primary or secondary education, many did not have comprehensive knowledge of HIV prevention.

The IBBS study also evaluated other vulnerable populations, such as truck drivers, immigrant workers and street children, whose high mobility, low use of condoms and limited approach make HIV particularly vulnerable. These groups require focused interventions to address their particular risk factors.

The study also highlights a critical overlook: the lack of focus on HIV transmission through weak prevention and control measures in infections in healthcare.

Previous cases, such as the devastating Rato Dero outburst in 2019, highlight the role of unsafe medical practices in the dissemination of the virus. Future HIV prevention strategies must incorporate strong protocols of controlling contamination to mitigate these risks.