Karachi, April 18: In Pakistan, there has been a significant rise in cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) among children admitted to three hospitals in Karachi over the past nine months. Recent reports indicate that this trend is continuing to escalate.
The Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital and Research Center (SIDH&RC) reported that in 2024, they admitted 10 HIV-positive children, a number that surged to over 70 in 2025. According to Pakistani media outlet Dawn, this year alone, 30 children have been hospitalized with HIV.
At Indus Hospital, 144 HIV-positive patients were recorded in 2024, with the number increasing to 171 in 2025. Furthermore, within the first quarter of this year, 69 HIV cases have already been identified at the facility.
Dr. Sameen Sarfraz, Chair of Infection Control Services and Infectious Disease Consultant at Indus Hospital, stated to Dawn, “We have seen a substantial increase in registered cases among children. Since August 2025, 72 children under the age of 14 have been registered, with 68% being under five years old.”
Sarfraz noted that the majority of these HIV cases among registered children are attributed to unsafe healthcare practices. She highlighted that the reuse of syringes, needles, intravenous drip sets, and cannulas, along with the use of poorly sterilized medical instruments and unscreened blood transfusions, are primary factors contributing to the spread of HIV in healthcare settings.
Additionally, Sarfraz pointed out that many public sector doctors prefer drips and injections over oral medications for commercial reasons. She mentioned that the cessation of funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has led to a shortage of antiretroviral and anti-tuberculosis medications across Pakistan.
According to Sarfraz, reports indicate that Pakistan is experiencing the fastest-growing HIV epidemic in all regions of the World Health Organization’s Eastern Mediterranean (WHO EMRO).
She has called for strict action against common malpractices such as the reuse of syringes, cannulas, drip sets, and multi-dose vials, as well as the implementation of the National Action Plan 2019 for injection safety.
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My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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