Pediatric HIV in Pakistan: From Low Prevalence to Emergency (2026) - Tackling Horizontal Transmission, Diagnostic Errors, and Public Safety Strategies
Keywords:
hiv, aids, diagnostic errors, strategiesAbstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an RNA retrovirus that attacks and damages CD4+ helper T cells, which are necessary for fighting off illnesses1. If left untreated, HIV weakens the immune system, making the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections2. This leads to advanced-stage acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) within 8 to 15 years. HIV/AIDS is incurable. However, effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) is available, and ART has changed a fatal diagnosis into a manageable, lifelong chronic condition.
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