HIV in Pakistan: Preventing a future epidemic in most-at-risk groups

A research brief from the Programme for Research and Capacity Building in Sexual and Reproductive Health and HIV in Developing Countries. This brief accompanies a special issue of Sexually Transmitted Infections.

Their research found:

• Current HIV prevalence is generally low but STI levels are high in some at-risk groups.
• Violence, abuse and discrimination are commonly experienced by sex workers and injecting drug users, and can increase the likelihood of infection.
• A future HIV epidemic is likely to be concentrated in those with highest levels of STIs and the highest levels of abuse – transgender sex workers.
• Five key interventions are recommended to stem the transmission of HIV/STIs in Pakistan.
• Interventions targeted at transgender sex workers will have little support among society, and will be difficult for the government and public sector to implement, but they could be implemented successfully by NGOs, with donor funding and support.
• For interventions to be successful and sustainable, the underlying vulnerabilities and environment faced by all of the most-at-risk groups must be addressed. Interventions must recognize, protect and promote the human rights of all individuals.

The brief concludes with a number of recommendations for the Government of Pakistan and for donors.