As per a report, there are 3,995 registered HIV-positive children in Pakistan’s Sindh, with over 100 new cases reported in Karachi in 2025, highlighting a failure in infection control and regulation. The situation is exacerbated by infections occurring in healthcare settings due to negligence, making it a criminal issue. The Pakistan Medical Association has issued a ‘high-level alert’ regarding the surge in paediatric HIV cases, emphasizing the urgent need for action by authorities.
The report underlines that the crisis is preventable, with factors such as unsafe injections, reused syringes, unregulated blood banks, and illegal clinics contributing to the spread of HIV. Despite previous warnings and promises of reform following the 2019 Ratodero tragedy, the number of HIV cases among children continues to rise, indicating a lack of enforcement of basic health standards. The failure to address these issues has transformed clinics into sources of contagion, posing a significant socio-economic threat.
The deepening HIV crisis in Pakistan not only represents a medical emergency but also reflects institutional decay and the repercussions of prolonged neglect and corruption. The country, experiencing a surge in HIV cases, ranks second in the Asia-Pacific region. The use of contaminated syringes, unregulated blood transfusions, and the prevalence of fake doctors are key factors contributing to the crisis, highlighting the urgent need for improved oversight and adherence to global infection prevention protocols.
Health officials have reported a concerning number of HIV-positive children in Sindh, with the issue exacerbated by the presence of a large number of fake doctors in the country. These unqualified practitioners operate without oversight, engaging in unsafe practices that further fuel the spread of HIV. The healthcare system in Pakistan, plagued by underfunding and mismanagement, has consistently failed to implement standard operating procedures for infection prevention and control, leading to dire consequences.
The European Times report emphasizes the shortage of essential resources, such as testing kits and antiretroviral medicines, in HIV treatment centers in Pakistan. This scarcity, coupled with a lack of trained staff, results in delays in diagnosis and treatment for patients, who often struggle to access basic care. The escalating HIV crisis in Pakistan is not merely a health emergency but a manifestation of systemic deficiencies, underscored by the neglect of health standards and the toll of corruption. The plight of thousands of HIV-positive children in Sindh, the proliferation of quack doctors, and the widespread use of contaminated medical equipment collectively expose the state’s apathy, reflecting a broader failure in the healthcare system.
