Two more children have tested positive for HIV in Karachi, bringing the total number of reported cases linked to treatment at Kulsum Bai Valika Hospital to 80 amid an ongoing investigation into the outbreak. According to affected families, a father reported that his nine-year-old daughter tested positive for HIV after receiving treatment for a chest infection at the hospital. He added that his 12-year-old and three-year-old sons had also tested positive for the virus last month. "All three of our children have tested positive for HIV after receiving treatment at the hospital," the father said.
Separate Case of Three-Year-Old Girl
In a separate case, a three-year-old girl from Metroville also tested positive for HIV. Her parents stated that she had been undergoing treatment at Valika Hospital due to recurring illness before medical tests confirmed the infection. This development follows earlier confirmation by Sindh Labour Minister Saeed Ghani that at least 78 children had contracted HIV at Kulsum Bai Valika Hospital, a Sindh Employees' Social Security Institution (SESSI) facility operating under the Sindh Labour Department in Karachi's SITE area.
Broader Outbreak in Pathan Colony
Reports indicate that more than 100 children from Pathan Colony have tested positive for HIV over the past nine months, raising serious concerns over infection control measures and healthcare practices. According to an inquiry report, the outbreak was caused by the repeated use of disposable syringes on multiple patients. The report stated that a 10cc syringe was reused on different newborns, resulting in the spread of HIV among children receiving treatment. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident.
Government Response and Screening Campaign
In response to the outbreak, the federal government has decided to launch a large-scale HIV screening campaign in Karachi's Pathan Colony. Under the initiative, the Sindh AIDS Control Programme will conduct screening at both Valika Hospital and Pathan Colony, while the federal government will provide 50,000 HIV testing kits to support the campaign. The move aims to identify additional cases and prevent further transmission.
