On the occasion of World AIDS Day 2025, a public awareness walk was organized in Faisalabad to draw attention to rising HIV cases in Pakistan. The walk began at the OPD of Allied Hospital Faisalabad and concluded at Faisalabad Medical University (FMU), with staff, students, doctors and general public participating, led by FMU’s vice chancellor and medical professionals.
Organisers — including Pakistan Society of Internal Medicine (PSIM) Faisalabad Chapter and Punjab AIDS Control Program — emphasized that HIV is a growing public health concern in Pakistan. They urged early diagnosis and timely access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), warning that delayed treatment can lead to severe complications including opportunistic infections, cancers, organ failure and increased transmission risk.
Speakers highlighted key drivers of HIV spread in the country — unsafe injections, inadequate blood screening, drug use, and social stigma. They called for safe medical practices, comprehensive blood screening, awareness-raising, outreach to at-risk populations and broad access to testing and treatment.
The walk underscores a broader national effort ahead of World AIDS Day, aligning with global advocacy for equitable access to prevention and treatment, reduced stigma, and strengthened health systems.