Identification of novel silent HIV propagation routes in Pakistan

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is rapidly increasing in both high risk groups and the general population. In this study, silent routes of propagation in teenaged Pakistanis are discussed. In order to promote sexual activity in youths, regular clients write contact details of sex workers on the doors of public washrooms. HIV prevalence is much higher among Hijra sex workers. Hijra sex workers have apparently stepped into the profession of begging at public places, where they earn money by both begging and distributing visiting cards offering unsafe sex. In many educational institutes, sex education is lacking or absent; if delivered via teachers, government agencies and nongovernmental organizations this could prevent a future epidemic of sexually transmitted infections in Pakistan.

Keywords: Human immunodeficiency virus; Pakistan; Sex workers; Silent route; Youth

Core tip: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an emerging threat for rising generations in Pakistan. The prevalence of HIV is gradually increasing in different high risk populations due to the rapid increase of sexual activity among Pakistani youth. Increased sexual desperation among Pakistani youngsters has outranked the rest of the world. The rate of HIV spread in Pakistan is much greater than in any of the western countries, therefore adequate preventive measurements should be implemented as soon as possible, otherwise it will be too late.