Karachi:The situation has taken a serious turn after more than 100 children were found to be affected by HIV at Valika Hospital in Karachi. Acting on the directives of the Provincial Ombudsman, the Sindh Social Security Welfare Department has suspended a total of 10 employees, including the former and current Medical Superintendents, as well as doctors and nurses.
Dr. Ghiyasuddin has been appointed as the new Medical Superintendent, while investigations are underway at multiple levels to examine all aspects of how the children contracted HIV.
According to sources, the suspension of two doctors, including the Head of the Pediatric Department, has created significant challenges in the treatment of children at the hospital.
Hospital officials say that more than 100 children have been registered under the HIV program at Valika Hospital. Many of the affected children are facing respiratory complications, for which nebulizer machines are being provided for home use. Additionally, milk is being supplied to help improve their immunity.
The rising number of HIV cases in Sindh has once again raised serious concerns about the healthcare system and medical practices. Experts in infectious diseases at Aga Khan University Hospital warn that the disease is no longer confined to specific high-risk groups and is increasingly spreading within the general population.
According to infectious disease specialist Dr. Fatima Mir, approximately 70 percent of HIV cases in children in Pakistan are due to vertical transmission—from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. The remaining 30 percent are largely caused by unsafe injections, poor medical practices, and transfusion of unscreened blood.
She noted that major outbreaks have previously been reported in Sindh, including in Larkana in 2016 and among children in 2019. In the 2019 outbreak, many affected children had mothers who tested negative for HIV, indicating that transmission likely occurred through unsafe medical procedures rather than maternal transmission.
Dr. Mir further explained that while around 32 HIV treatment centers exist in Sindh, only 12 to 13 are equipped to provide comprehensive care for children. Previously, two to three cases were reported monthly, but that number has now increased to five to six.
She added that increased screening is a positive development as it helps identify more cases, but the real challenge lies in preventing further spread of the virus.
Meanwhile, infectious disease expert Dr. Faisal Mahmood also confirmed a rise in HIV cases. He attributed this to increased testing as well as the spread of the disease beyond traditionally high-risk groups into the general population.
He warned that HIV is no longer limited to specific communities and is now being transmitted through hospitals, clinics, and unsafe medical practices. Unsafe sexual behavior also remains a contributing factor.
Dr. Mahmood highlighted that in some cases, patients have reportedly contracted the virus during dental procedures, underscoring the خطر posed by non-sterile medical equipment.
He advised the public to avoid unnecessary injections and drips, seek treatment only from reputable healthcare facilities, and ensure that blood transfusions are conducted through properly registered blood banks under the Sindh Blood Transfusion Authority.
Experts warn that without timely and effective intervention, the spread of HIV could worsen, emphasizing the urgent need to strengthen healthcare regulation, crack down on illegal medical practices, and raise public awareness.