Sixteen More Children Test Positive
The number of confirmed HIV cases linked to Karachi’s Kulsum Bai Valika Hospital has risen to 94.
The latest increase came after 16 more children tested positive for the virus.
Sindh Labour Minister and SESSI Chairman Saeed Ghani had earlier confirmed infections among 78 children.
Further testing initially raised the number to 80. The latest results have now pushed the confirmed total to 94.
The cases involve children who previously received treatment at the hospital’s paediatric department.
Health authorities are continuing screenings to identify any additional infections.
The suspected transmission incident first attracted public attention in November 2025.
Residents of Karachi’s SITE Town reported an unusual cluster of HIV infections among children treated at the facility.
Officials later said the first six positive cases had been reported to the provincial health department in October 2025.
Inquiries Expose Serious Infection-Control Failures
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah was briefed about the crisis on July 14.
Two internal investigations reportedly identified major failures in infection prevention procedures.
The findings included poor use of protective equipment and weak compliance with hospital safety protocols.
Investigators also raised concerns about the handling of syringes intended for single use.
The first inquiry was submitted in November 2025.
It identified 16 HIV-positive children connected with the hospital’s paediatric department.
The increasing case count has created serious concerns about unsafe medical practices and weak oversight.
Authorities are expected to examine treatment records, injection procedures and infection-control systems.
The investigation must also determine when transmission began and how many children may have been exposed.
HIV can spread through contaminated blood, unsafe injections and improperly sterilised medical equipment.
It is not transmitted through ordinary contact, shared meals, hugging or casual interaction.
Pakistan Faces Rapidly Growing HIV Epidemic
The Karachi hospital crisis comes as Pakistan faces a wider increase in HIV infections.
The World Health Organization and UNAIDS warned in December 2025 that Pakistan had one of the fastest-growing HIV epidemics in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.
Annual new infections increased by 200 percent over 15 years.
The estimated number rose from 16,000 in 2010 to 48,000 in 2024.
The organisations called for stronger prevention, testing and treatment services.
They also stressed the need for safer healthcare practices and greater public awareness.
The KBV Hospital incident has increased pressure on provincial authorities to strengthen hospital monitoring.
Affected children will require long-term medical care and regular health assessments.
Modern HIV treatment can control the virus and allow patients to live long, healthy lives.
However, early diagnosis and uninterrupted access to medication remain essential.
Authorities have not yet announced whether disciplinary or criminal action will follow the inquiry findings.
Further testing and investigation are continuing as families seek answers and accountability.
