https://www.lumhs.edu.pk/jlumhs/vol24no04.php

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that attacks/destroys human infection-fighting CD4 immune cells, making it difficult for the body to fight off opportunistic infections and some cancers.If left untreated, HIV infection could lead towards Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), the most advanced stage, in 10-15 years 1,2 .The only way to know your HIV status is to get tested.Currently, there is no effective cure for HIV; once someone gets HIV, they have it for life.However, today, Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) allows HIV-positive persons to live long, healthy lives, and prevents transmission.According to the WHO, an estimated 41 million people were living with HIV in 2024, worldwide, with around 1.3 million new infections per year; and about 630,000 people have died from AIDS-related illnesses, equating to one person every minute worldwide 3 .In developing countries such as Pakistan, key challenges persist, including lack of HIV/AIDS awareness; unsafe medical practices, social stigma/ discrimination; limited access to testing, treatment, prevention, and care; funding uncertainties; and ongoing epidemics 4 . GLOBAL STRATEGIES AND DEVELOPMENTS FOR HIV/AIDSIn recent years, significant scientific advancements have transformed HIV/AIDS from a fatal illness into a chronic, manageable condition, with a normal life expectancy.Recently, the global initiative, "global hiv/ aids strategy 2026-2031," has centered its focus on ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic by making key services like testing, treatment, prevention and response to outbreaks more accessible to affected populations, and integrating care into broader health systems.Current development in the key services (1) testing & diagnosis, (2) treatment, (3) prevention, and (4) response are as follows: 1. HIV TESTING AND DIAGNOSIS People with risky behaviours must get tested regularly.HIV testing confirms your HIV status: positive or negative.Early diagnosis keeps you and your partner healthy; reduces HIV/AIDS-related morbidity and mortality, and is essential for effective treatment and prevention of HIV transmission.HIV Testing/Diagnostic Tests: HIV can be diagnosed via blood, saliva or bodily fluids.There are three types of Reliable, Accurate, Sensitive/