The officials from Sindh have announced that there were 894 new HIV patients recorded within the state for the first quarter of 2026. Furthermore, the number comprised 329 children under 14 years old, 332 men, 204 women and 29 transgender people.
Additionally, there were 294 patients in January, 324 in February and 276 in March. This brings the average to about 3 or 4 new HIV cases per day.
Unsafe Medical Practices Drive Steady Rise in Infections
According to public health experts, poor hygiene practices related to infection prevention have been cited as major contributors to the continued outbreak of this virus. The re-use of syringes, lack of sterilized equipment, intravenous drips and un-screened blood transfusions have been identified as some of the leading causes. Such harmful practices pose serious threats to patients’ safety, especially children.
Furthermore, about 100 cases were reported recently from Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital in SITE, Karachi. The entire pediatric wing was immediately shut down. Several investigations were initiated following this development. However, fresh cases continue to emerge in Sindh.
Health Workers Stress Urgent Need for Strict Controls
The experts working in the field of infectious diseases consider the current scenario alarming. They mention that there are instances where children fall ill due to infections and inexplicable weight loss or reduced immunity levels.
Out of the 329 affected children in this quarter, 188 were boys while 141 were girls. Doctors note that at times children suffer death due to complications caused by the infection, which goes unnoticed.
Hence, immediate measures have been sought by officials. The need for patient screening, proper sterilization of instruments, no reusing of syringes, stringent regulations and increased surveillance must be taken into consideration.
Moreover, raising awareness among the public about this viral outbreak is also crucial.
