The increase in paediatric HIV cases in Karachi, Pakistan, is attributed to the healthcare system’s tolerance of unsafe practices despite knowing the risks. Hospitals in Sindh have reported a concerning rise in admissions of HIV-positive children, many of whom are under five years old, with a significant number acquiring the virus through healthcare-related exposure, particularly from reusable syringes.
An editorial in Pakistan’s The Express Tribune highlighted the alarming pattern of transmission, noting that most affected children did not acquire the virus from HIV-positive mothers but through unsafe practices in hospitals. The editorial emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into hospitals, including examining procurement processes, sterilization protocols, and blood screening systems to prevent further spread.
The Indus Hospital and Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital reported a significant increase in HIV cases among children in recent years. At the Indus Hospital, there has been a surge in paediatric cases, with a majority of infections attributed to unsafe healthcare practices such as the reuse of contaminated medical equipment and unscreened blood transfusions.
