A newly confirmed HIV case involving an 18-month-old child has intensified concerns over the ongoing outbreak linked to Valika Hospital in Karachi.
With the latest case, the number of confirmed victims has reached 95, while nine children have lost their lives, according to officials.
The development has renewed concerns among affected families as investigations into the outbreak continue.
Child Developed Persistent Illness After Hospital Treatment
The child’s father, Abdul Samad, said his son received treatment at Valika Hospital in December 2025.
According to him, the child later developed a persistent illness before testing positive for HIV.
Authorities first identified the outbreak in October 2025. Initial investigations linked infected children to the hospital’s paediatrics ward.
Since then, screening and investigations have continued throughout 2026.
Screening Revealed More Than 120 HIV-Positive Cases
Earlier this month, Sindh Labour Minister Saeed Ghani said that 120 people tested HIV-positive after authorities screened more than 10,500 individuals.
According to the minister, 81 patients were beneficiaries of the Sindh Employees’ Social Security Institution (SESSI).
Meanwhile, 39 non-beneficiaries also tested positive while receiving free medical treatment.
Federal Investigation Identified Alleged Cause
Earlier, a federal health ministry investigation concluded that the outbreak resulted from the reuse of a single syringe on multiple newborns.
The inquiry, reported on July 3, stated that at least 104 people, including 95 children, had contracted HIV.
Previously, separate inquiries conducted by SESSI and the Labour Department in November 2025 highlighted serious shortcomings in hospital practices.
Officials identified weak sterilisation procedures, improper biomedical waste disposal, inadequate standard operating procedures, and the possible reuse of disposable medical equipment, including syringes.
Government Ordered Action and Treatment Measures
Following the investigations, authorities established an Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) Centre at Valika Hospital in late November 2025.
In addition, officials issued show-cause notices to 37 doctors and staff members.
The government also directed disciplinary and legal action against those found negligent.
Furthermore, the chief minister ordered accountability measures while directing authorities to ensure uninterrupted treatment and long-term rehabilitation for affected families.
Fear Continues to Grow Among Local Families
Meanwhile, residents of Pathan Colony and nearby areas say anxiety continues to spread among families.
Parents reported that several children experienced persistent fever and weakness before receiving an HIV diagnosis.
Some residents claimed that more than 100 children in the neighbourhood have been affected.
However, official figures remain lower than those community estimates.
As investigations continue, health authorities remain focused on treatment, accountability, and monitoring the outbreak to prevent further infections.
