50,000 Testing Kits to Support Screening Drive
The federal government has decided to launch a large-scale HIV screening campaign in Karachi’s Pathan Colony after dozens of children reportedly tested positive for HIV.
According to sources, the screening drive will be carried out at Kulsum Bai Valika Hospital and in Pathan Colony. The Sindh AIDS Control Programme will lead the testing campaign.
The federal government will support the Sindh government by providing 50,000 HIV testing kits. These kits will be handed over to the Sindh AIDS Control Programme for use during the campaign.
Positive Cases to Receive Free Treatment
Sources said suspected patients visiting Valika Hospital will be tested for HIV. Residents of Pathan Colony will also be screened as part of the wider campaign.
People who test positive will be registered under the government’s HIV control programme. They will also receive free treatment and medicines.
Sindh Labour Minister Saeed Ghani has confirmed that at least 78 children were infected with HIV at Valika Hospital. The hospital is a Sindh Employees’ Social Security Institution facility operating under the Sindh Labour Department in Karachi’s SITE area.
Reports also claim that more than 100 children from Pathan Colony have tested positive for HIV during the past nine months. The situation has raised serious concerns about infection control and medical safety practices.
Inquiry Points to Syringe Reuse
The affected children are currently receiving treatment at Valika Hospital. Residents claim that at least nine children from the area have died over the past year after contracting HIV.
According to an inquiry report, the outbreak was caused by the repeated use of disposable syringes on multiple patients. The report said a 10cc syringe was reused on different newborns at the hospital.
Officials said this practice may have led to the spread of HIV among children receiving treatment. An investigation into the incident is still underway.
The case has triggered alarm among families and health officials. Authorities are now expected to expand testing, register confirmed cases, and ensure treatment for affected children.
