The reduction in global HIV fund allocation is significantly affecting HIV prevention and support services in Pakistan, potentially reversing years of progress. Despite having a relatively small HIV epidemic compared to global hotspots, Pakistan is experiencing one of the fastest-growing rates in Asia, making the funding cuts particularly impactful, as reported by Arab News. The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (GFFATM) has been a key supporter of Pakistan’s HIV programs for almost two decades.
The recent decrease in total allocation from $250.8 million to $223.6 million under the Grant Cycle 7 (2023-2025) has resulted in a $4 million cut from the national HIV/AIDS component. This reduction has already started affecting outreach services for key populations, according to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the principal recipient of Global Fund financing since 2021. Richard Cunliffe, the GFFATM project manager at UNDP Pakistan, highlighted the impact on community-based organizations serving key population groups.
The low testing rates and high infection rates among marginalized communities in Pakistan are contributing to a continuous increase in new HIV infections, as stated by UNAIDS. To prevent a broader public health crisis, sustained funding for prevention and outreach is crucial. Despite an estimated 350,000 people living with HIV in Pakistan, only 21% are aware of their status, and merely 15% of those diagnosed are receiving treatment.
The situation in Pakistan may be more precarious than official figures suggest, with concerns raised about the prioritization of treatment over testing, counseling, prevention, and community services. Asghar Satti, the national coordinator of the Association of People Living with HIV (APLHIV), emphasized the risks associated with reduced testing leading to hidden infections and a potential public health crisis. Deep-rooted stigma and a lack of continuous public awareness campaigns further compound the challenges faced by individuals living with HIV in Pakistan.
