KARACHI: Another case has emerged in the HIV outbreak linked to Valika Hospital, where an 18‑month‑old child has been confirmed HIV‑positive, officials said on Thursday. With this development, the number of confirmed victims has climbed to 95, while nine children have lost their lives so far.
The child’s father, Abdul Samad, stated that his son had been treated at Valika Hospital in December 2025 and subsequently began suffering from persistent illness.
Authorities recall that the issue first surfaced in October 2025, when initial inquiries identified infected children connected to the paediatrics ward. Screening and investigations continued into 2026.
It may be recalled here that the Sindh Labour Minister Saeed Ghani, speaking on July 13, 2026, said that 120 people tested HIV‑positive after screening more than 10,500 individuals. Of these, 81 were beneficiaries of the Sindh Employees’ Social Security Institution (SESSI), while 39 were non‑beneficiaries receiving free treatment.
Earlier, a federal health ministry investigation, reported on July 3, concluded that the outbreak was caused by reusing a single syringe on multiple newborns. The inquiry put the infected count at at least 104 people, including 95 children.
Similarly, initial inquiries by SESSI and the Labour Department in November 2025 had flagged serious lapses in hospital practices, including weak sterilisation, improper biomedical waste disposal, lack of standard operating procedures, and possible reuse of disposables such as syringes.
In response, the government established an anti-retroviral therapy (ART) centre at Valika Hospital by late November 2025, issued show‑cause notices to 37 doctors and staff, and directed disciplinary and legal action against those found negligent. The chief minister also ordered accountability measures, uninterrupted treatment, and long‑term rehabilitation for affected families.
Meanwhile, parents in Pathan Colony and surrounding areas report widespread fear. Families describe children suffering from persistent fevers and weakness before diagnosis. Some residents allege that over 100 children in the neighbourhood have been affected, though official figures remain lower.
