51,000 migrants deported from Gulf states due to HIV

Majority of them are from KP; HIV also found among some prisoners in Pakistani jails

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has witnessed an alarming increase in AIDS cases, more than 10,000 new cases have been identified in one year — 2015 alone, whereas spectrum estimated over 51,000 deported migrants at the end of 2014 from Gulf countries after founding to be HIV positive and majority of them are from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The Pakistan Global AIDS Response Progress Report which is presented annually to UNAIDS reveals shocking facts about the current status of HIV in the country. As per this report spectrum estimated over 51,000 deported migrants at the end of 2014 especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, have been and continue to be among returning migrants deported from the Gulf States when found to be HIV positive.

Dr Baseer Ahmad Achakzai, head of National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) while talking to The News confirmed that there were around 1,02,000 estimated number of people living with HIV (PLHIVs) by the end of 2015 in Pakistan whereas in 2014 the number of PLHIVs was 92,000. Currently, he said the total number of PLHIVs was 0.9 per cent of the total population and if it was increased by one percent then Pakistan would move into danger zone. He, however, has expressed concerns over the issue of returned migrants on the basis of HIV positive from the Gulf States.

According to the annual report, after the major contributor of PLHIVs which is people who inject drugs (PWIDs), the returning migrants have rung the alarm bells, if the spectrum estimates are true the number of PLHIVs would increase significantly and the number of PLHIVs will reach more than one percent meaning by that Pakistan would move to danger zone.

There has been significant migration from rural areas of all provinces to the Gulf States. The net outward migration rate from Pakistan is estimated at 3.3 per 1000 inhabitants. Significant numbers of HIV cases reported to the health care services, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, have been and continue to be among returning migrants deported from the Gulf States when found to be HIV positive. Spectrum estimated over 51,000 deported migrants at the end of 2014.

“The risks of onward HIV transmission to spouses and to children have been documented upon the return of migrant workers from abroad. In KP for example, at the end of 2013, among the 1,257 PLHIV ever-registered (includes dead and missing) 41.8 per cent (526) were migrants. Among the 819 on ART at the end of 2013, 28.9 per cent were migrants (237). In the last quarter of 2014 a total of 27 returned migrant men were registered at the HIV clinic in KP. All were married and of 27 spouses 6 were found to be HIV positive and none of the children,” the report says.

Similarly another factor which is presenting gloomy picture is the prevalence of HIV among prisoners. According to this report, prisoners, including female 50 and juvenile, are considered a key vulnerable population in Pakistan given the prevalence found in sample cohorts to date.

“At the end of 2013 there were over 77,500 prisoners in Pakistan either under trial or already convicted. There has been limited HIV testing in prisons, however sporadic testing has taken place. In 2009 almost 5,000 jail inmates were voluntarily tested across nine jails in Sindh, with an overall HIV prevalence of 1 per cent; 52 in 2009 Camp Jail in Lahore over 1000 inmates were tested with a prevalence of 2.4 per cent; 53 and in District and Central Jails of Lahore almost 5,000 prisoners were tested with an overall HIV prevalence of 2.0 per cent and 77.8 per cent of them had co-infections. HIV/HCV co-infection was detected in 73.7 per cent of HIV positive inmates; 54 Even earlier studies showed a similar prevalence. In Camp Jail in Lahore from January to June 2008, 261 inmates were tested for HIV and 6 (2.3%) were found to be HIV positive,” the report says.

Dr Achakzai, the head of National Aids Control Programme (NACP) said, “They have taken up the issue of returned migrants with the authorities concerned and demanded that the NACP should be allowed to have their desks at four major international airports of the country including Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar. “I do not agree with the spectrum estimates about the HIV prevalence among 51,000 returned migrants who were deported on the basis of HIV. However, this could be detected and identified if NACP is allowed to get initial tests of the deportees upon their arrivals on the airport. At least this will save other lives specially their families if they are HIV positives then the further spread could be reduced,” commented Dr Achakzai.

He said currently there are almost 10,2000 PLHIVs in the country, however due to stigma issue only 16, 000 are registered for ARTs and the remaining 86, 000 are not even registered for the ARTs. The provincial governments have started surveys to map the exact figures on the basis of which the government would be able to take effective steps to halt the spread of this disease.