The government has decided to launch large-scale HIV screening in Karachi’s Pathan Colony and Walika Hospital area after reports of a suspected spread of the virus, according to sources.

The Sindh AIDS Control Programme will begin emergency HIV screening in the affected areas, with support from the federal government. As part of the response, the federal government will provide 50,000 HIV testing kits to Sindh.

Under the plan, suspected patients visiting Walika Hospital will be tested for HIV, while residents of Pathan Colony will also be screened.

Sources said anyone who tests positive during the campaign will be registered immediately and provided free medicines and treatment by the government.

symptoms vary by the stage of infection. In the early (acute) stage, many people experience .Others remain completely asymptomatic for years. The only way to definitively confirm an infection is to get tested.

Early/Acute HIV Symptoms

Within a few weeks of exposure, the virus can cause a severe flu-like illness as the body responds to the infection. These signs typically last a few days to several weeks and may include:

- Fever and chills
- Extreme fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes (often in the neck, armpits, orgroin)

Sore throat
Muscle aches and joint pain
Headaches
Skin rash (usually on the torso, flat or slightly raised, and often non-itchy)
Night sweats
Mouth or genital sores/ulcers

Chronic HIV Stage (Clinical Latency)

After the acute stage, the virus enters a period of clinical latency. During this time, the virus continues to multiply at very low levels but may cause no noticeable symptoms. This stage can last for a decade or longer if the person is not on effective antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Symptoms of Advanced HIV/AIDS

If left untreated, the immune system becomes severely damaged, progressing to AIDS. Symptoms can include: