Health Minister Kamal highlights HIV status, vows probe into global fund irregularities

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th Apr, 2026) Federal Minister for National Health, Syed Mustafa Kamal, on Tuesday highlighted the current status of HIV in Pakistan, allocation of funds to manage it and vowed to probe the irregularities of global funds allocated for HIV to external bodies.

While addressing the press conference, he praised Pakistan global emergence, saying, "Pakistan has emerged stronger and more influential globally." He attributed the recent gains to the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and the Foreign Minister.

He said the country today stands markedly different from its position two months ago, having effectively responded to challenges and strengthened its global standing while contributing to international peace efforts.

Addressing about HIV/AIDS, the minister shared details of the 2024–26 programme, stating that $65 million had been allocated for Pakistan. Of this, only $3.9 million was received by the government, while $61.1 million was channelled to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and a private NGO.

He added that while the government maintains full transparency regarding funds allocated to it, while on the contrary, this Ministry does not have access to details on how funds allocated to external organisations are being utilized, noting that NGO's have declined to share such information.

Highlighting improved screening efforts, Mustafa Kamal said that in 2020, 37,944 individuals were tested at 49 centres, with 6,910 positive cases. By 2025, the number of centres rose to 97, conducting 374,126 tests and detecting 14,182 cases.

He said Pakistan currently has 84,000 registered HIV patients, of whom 61,000 are under treatment, while the remaining cases remain un-traced.

The minister emphasised that HIV is a manageable condition, noting that timely treatment enables patients to lead normal lives and significantly reduces transmission risks.

According to expert estimates, he said, Pakistan could potentially have up to 369,000 HIV cases; however, the current prevalence rate stands at 0.1%, well below the global average of 0.5%.

Referring to past financial irregularities in global funding, he said investigations are nearing completion and those responsible will be held accountable.

Providing updates on specific regions, he noted that no new HIV cases have been reported in Taunsa this year, while Islamabad recorded 618 cases, including 208 local and 408 referred from other areas.

Reaffirming the government’s resolve, the minister said authorities will continue expanding screening services, improving transparency, and strengthening prevention and treatment measures nationwide.