The prevalence of HIV cases in Peshawar has been raised to an alarming number after the addition of 54 transgenders to the total. The number of HIV-AIDS patients in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has now reached 13,000.
746 new patients were diagnosed in the hospitals last year. More than 5,500 patients have been registered for treatment, while the remaining patients are getting their treatment privately or in other provinces.
The human immunodeficiency viruses are two species of Lentivirus that infect humans. Over time, they cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, a condition in which progressive failure of the immune system allows life-threatening opportunistic infections and cancers to thrive.
According to the sources of the AIDS Control Program in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, homosexuality is primarily responsible for 90 percent of HIV cases. Among the cases that were not homosexual, the virus was transmitted either through blood transfusion, substandard dentistry, injections, and through sexual intercourse.
Of the total number, 868 cases have been reported in Peshawar. Whereas 710 patients have been registered for free treatment in Bannu. Amongst the infected lot, 700 are drug addicts and 54 are eunuchs. 8 centers have been established for registration and free treatment across the province.