KARACHI: A serious public health crisis is unfolding in Karachi’s impoverished SITE Town, where more than a dozen children — some as young as one year old — have tested positive for HIV in recent weeks. Community leaders say at least 18 children have been diagnosed so far, with two reported deaths, prompting widespread panic in one of Karachi’s most densely populated neighbourhoods.
The cluster of infections is linked to Kulsum Bai Valika Social Security SITE Hospital, widely known as Valika Hospital, where many of the affected children were treated for routine illnesses. Local representatives say the outbreak came to light after an 18-month-old girl fell ill in August 2025 and was later diagnosed with HIV at a private clinic. Her prior treatment at Valika Hospital raised suspicions, prompting residents to form a multi-party committee to push for mass screening, reports Dawn newspaper.
Community members allege the hospital has shown “little seriousness or urgency,” despite repeated demands for widespread testing of children treated since August. “This could be the tip of the iceberg,” warned UC Vice Chairman Irshad Khan. “Dozens have been screened, but hundreds of children remain untested.”
Authorities Deny Negligence as Investigations Begin
Valika Hospital officials confirmed that HIV screening is underway, but declined to share exact numbers. The Sindh Health Department rejected claims of inaction, saying an anti-retroviral therapy (ART) centre has been established at the hospital to facilitate immediate treatment.
Dr Kanwal Mustafa, Additional Director HIV/AIDS, said the health department is adopting a “comprehensive approach” that includes expanding access to treatment and prevention programmes. She noted that 31 ART centres across Sindh currently provide free diagnostics, counseling, and prophylaxis, including for pregnant women and children.
While officials say data is still being analysed, Dr Kanwal pointed to the broader pattern behind such outbreaks: unlicensed practitioners, reused syringes, unsafe blood transfusions, and widespread poverty that increases vulnerability to infection.
Her explanation aligns with community observations. Irshad Khan told reporters he had “personally witnessed” syringes being reused during hospital visits. “Staff members confirmed it. I was shocked something like this could happen in a government hospital.”
Rising Cases, Deep Structural Gaps
Pakistan’s HIV epidemic is classified as concentrated, spreading rapidly within high-risk groups such as injecting drug users, sex workers, and transgender communities. But unsafe medical practices — including the reuse of needles — are driving transmission into the general population, including children.
As of September 2025, an estimated 0.33 million people are living with HIV in Pakistan, though only 81,847 cases are officially registered, media reports said. Around 58,622 patients are currently receiving ART treatment.
Punjab and Sindh continue to report the highest prevalence. Heterosexual transmission remains the most common route, though poor infection control in healthcare settings is a growing concern.
National efforts — led by the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) — focus on surveillance, safe blood transfusions, expanding ART access, and reducing stigma. Pakistan currently operates 96 ART centres, though many patients still struggle to access consistent medication and diagnostic services.
Health experts warn that stigma, low awareness, and persistent unsafe practices could undermine national efforts unless urgent policy shifts and stronger regulation of medical facilities are implemented.
