A concerning rise in HIV cases has been recorded in Sindh this year with 894 people were diagnosed with HIV across the province during the first three months of 2026, including a substantial number of children.
According to data released by the Sindh Health Department, among the new cases reported in the last three months, 332 are men, 204 are women, and 29 are transgender individuals. Alarmingly, 329 children under the age of 14 have also tested positive, including 188 boys and 141 girls.
Experts say the increase highlights weaknesses in the healthcare system and poor implementation of preventive measures, with the situation particularly concerning in major cities like Karachi.
According to official provincial data, 294 new HIV cases were reported in January 2026, 324 in February, and 276 in March, indicating that the virus continues to spread steadily.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal told the National Assembly on March 30 that the total number of HIV-positive individuals in Pakistan has reached 84,421.
Health experts also pointed to ongoing risks linked to unsafe medical practices, including the reuse of syringes, contaminated equipment, and unscreened blood transfusions, especially affecting children. They warned that without strict infection control measures, the situation could worsen further.
