HIV Outbreak Among Children in Pakistan Linked to Unsafe Medical Practices
- By Thetripurapost Desk, Islamabad
- Apr 14, 2026
- 63
A major health crisis has emerged in Taunsa, a city in Punjab, where 331 children tested positive for HIV between November 2024 and October 2025. The outbreak has raised serious concerns about medical negligence at a government-run facility, THQ Taunsa Hospital.
A BBC investigation alleged that unsafe practices, including the reuse of syringes and medication vials, may have played a significant role in spreading the infection.
Allegations of Negligence
According to the report, hospital staff repeatedly reused syringes and administered injections from multi-dose vials to multiple children, significantly increasing the risk of infection. The investigation, based on 32 hours of undercover footage, documented at least 10 instances of syringe reuse, with four cases showing the same medication being given to different children.
Medical experts warned that even replacing the needle does not eliminate risk, as the syringe itself can carry the virus. Infectious disease specialist Dr Altaf Ahmed described the practice as “extremely dangerous.”
Further lapses included staff administering injections without sterilized gloves on at least 66 occasions, and improper handling of medical waste—both serious violations of infection control protocols.
Case That Brought Attention
The issue came to light after the death of an eight-year-old boy, Mohammad Amin. His sister, Asma, also tested HIV positive. Their mother alleged that the infection was caused by a contaminated needle during hospital treatment.
Conflicting Claims by Authorities
Hospital authorities have denied the allegations. The current medical superintendent, Dr Qasim Buzdar, claimed the footage could be “old or staged” and said reforms, including staff training and a “zero tolerance” policy, have been implemented.
However, the BBC reported that unsafe practices continued as late as November–December 2025, with used needles and medication vials found lying in the open. A video also showed a nurse offering a used syringe for reuse—claims again rejected by officials.
Source of Infection Under Investigation
The outbreak was first identified by Dr Gul Qaisrani, a private practitioner who noticed a surge in HIV cases among children, many of whom had received treatment at the same hospital.
Data suggests that mother-to-child transmission was unlikely, as only four mothers among 97 affected families tested positive. According to the Punjab AIDS Screening Program, contaminated needles were responsible for more than half of the infections, though some cases remain unexplained.
Authorities have stated that there is no conclusive evidence yet linking the outbreak solely to the hospital. A joint assessment by UNICEF, World Health Organization, and local health officials also pointed to private clinics and unsafe blood transfusions as possible contributing factors.
Administrative Action and Systemic Issues
The government intervened in March 2025 after 106 cases were reported. The then superintendent, Dr Tayyab Farooq Chandio, was suspended but later resumed work at another facility.
A leaked report from April 2025 highlighted severe deficiencies, including shortages of medicines, reuse of IV fluids, and poor sanitation.
Experts say the crisis reflects broader systemic issues, including resource shortages, weak infection control, and overuse of injections. Dr Fatima Mir noted that injections are often unnecessarily administered, increasing exposure to risk.
Impact on Families
The outbreak has had a devastating social impact. Families report stigma and isolation, particularly affecting children like Asma, who now faces social exclusion. Despite this, she continues her studies and hopes to become a doctor in the future.
Recurring Pattern in Pakistan
This is not an isolated incident. In 2019, a major HIV outbreak in Ratodero infected hundreds of children, with cases rising to around 1,500 by 2021. Similar cases were also reported in Karachi, where contaminated syringes were identified as a key cause.
High Risk of Transmission
Health experts emphasize that reusing syringes or multi-dose vials is one of the most dangerous ways to spread HIV, as the virus can be directly transmitted into the bloodstream. Even partial reuse of equipment poses a serious threat.