Sindh Reports Rapid Spike in HIV Infections
Sindh Reports Rapid Spike in HIV Infections: Hospitals across Sindh are reporting an unusual and sharp surge in HIV infections among children, with several facilities confirming three to four new cases every week. Doctors warn that the rising numbers indicate a developing crisis that requires immediate attention from health authorities.
Clinicians at major hospitals including Aga Khan University Hospital, Indus Hospital, the Sindh Institute of Child Health, the National Institute of Child Health, and various government centres report that the increase is consistent and widespread. The most alarming situation emerged when Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital documented more than eighteen HIV positive children in a single month, many belonging to the Pathan Colony area of SITE Town.
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| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Rise in Cases | Hospitals report 3–4 new child HIV cases weekly with a sharp upward trend. |
| Major Hospitals Reporting | AKUH, Indus Hospital, SICHN, NICH, and government facilities confirm increases. |
| Hotspot Area | Over 18 HIV-positive children reported this month in SITE Town’s Pathan Colony. |
| Screening Results | 476 children screened across Sindh; 12 tested positive. |
| Common Symptoms | Pneumonia, chronic diarrhoea, fever, malnutrition, weight loss. |
| Risk Factors | Unsafe injections, reused syringes, unscreened blood transfusions. |
| Testing Concerns | Experts warn actual numbers may be higher due to shortage of WHO-approved kits. |
Specialists Report Unprecedented Pattern of Infections
Experts at Aga Khan University Hospital have recorded twenty nine paediatric HIV cases between January and October, with noticeable spikes during September and October. Doctors say that many of the infected children were initially brought in with severe pneumonia or malnutrition, prompting mandatory HIV screening which later detected the virus.
Paediatricians working in Karachi and interior Sindh confirm the same trend. The Sindh Institute of Child Health has now started screening every child visiting its facilities and forwarding positive cases to antiretroviral therapy centres their latest screening of four hundred seventy six children across multiple districts revealed twelve new infections.
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Key Developments Reported by Hospitals and Health Experts
- Hospitals in Karachi and interior Sindh are reporting multiple new paediatric HIV cases weekly
- Sindh Institute of Child Health has begun routine screening for all visiting children
- Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital documented more than eighteen new HIV positive children this month
- Doctors warn that the actual number of cases may be higher due to a shortage of WHO approved test kits
- Major facilities including NICH, Landhi SESSI Hospital and Abbasi Shaheed Hospital confirm rising infections
Symptoms and Risk Factors Noted in Affected Children
- Repeated chest infections and severe pneumonia
- Chronic diarrhoea and persistent fever
- Severe malnutrition and failure to gain weight
- Possible link to unsafe medical practices similar to the Ratodero outbreak
- Doctors urging immediate HIV screening when these symptoms appear
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