Pakistan HIV outbreak linked to unsafe hospital practices

A growing HIV outbreak among children in Pakistan’s Punjab province has been linked to unsafe medical practices, with an investigation uncovering alarming breaches at a government hospital in Taunsa.

The probe by British state media found that hundreds of children tested positive for HIV between late 2024 and 2025, with many cases believed to stem from the reuse of contaminated syringes during routine treatments. Families, including that of young Mohammed Amin, who died after contracting the virus, say infections occurred after hospital visits, with his sister also diagnosed soon after.

Undercover footage revealed syringes being reused on shared medicine vials, injections administered without gloves, and poor hygiene practices that significantly increased infection risk. Experts warned that even changing needles does not eliminate danger if syringe bodies are reused, describing the practices as a serious violation of medical standards. Despite official claims of reforms and staff training, investigators found these unsafe methods persisted months after authorities promised a crackdown.

Health officials have disputed direct responsibility, pointing to broader systemic issues including unregulated private clinics and unscreened blood transfusions. However, leaked inspection reports and expert analysis highlight widespread failures in infection control, shortages of medical supplies, and a heavy reliance on injections in Pakistan’s healthcare system. For affected families, the consequences are lifelong, with children now facing chronic illness and social stigma from a virus they are believed to have contracted during treatment.

Image credit: NIAID (US)