Hundreds of children are infected in Taunsa
A major investigation into an HIV outbreak in Pakistan has revealed that hundreds of children may have contracted the virus through unsafe medical practices at a government hospital.
According to findings by BBC Eye, at least 331 children in the city of Taunsa, in Punjab province, tested positive for HIV between November 2024 and October 2025.
Families believe many of the infections were caused by contaminated needles used during routine treatments.
Distressing cases highlight human cost
Among the victims was eight-year-old Mohammed Amin, who died shortly after testing positive for HIV.
His sister, Asma, also contracted the virus and now faces lifelong treatment. Their family says both children were infected after receiving injections at a local hospital.
Health data suggests that in many cases, the children’s parents tested negative for HIV, pointing away from mother-to-child transmission and towards medical exposure.
Undercover footage reveals unsafe practices
During undercover filming at THQ Taunsa hospital, journalists documented repeated breaches of basic medical safety standards.
The footage showed syringes being reused on multi-dose vials, potentially contaminating medication later administered to other patients.
Experts warned that even changing the needle does not eliminate risk, as viruses can remain in the syringe body.
Medical staff were also seen administering injections without gloves and handling medical waste improperly, raising serious concerns over infection control.
Authorities deny responsibility
Despite the evidence, hospital officials denied wrongdoing. The current administrator claimed the footage may be outdated or staged and insisted the facility is safe.
Local authorities said there is no conclusive evidence linking the hospital directly to the outbreak, pointing instead to other factors such as unregulated private clinics and unscreened blood transfusions.
However, a joint report involving the World Health Organization and UNICEF identified unsafe injection practices as a major concern in the region.
Systemic issues behind the outbreak
Experts say the Pakistan HIV outbreak reflects broader systemic problems in the healthcare system, including shortages of supplies and a widespread reliance on injections, even when not medically necessary.
Pakistan has one of the highest rates of therapeutic injections globally, increasing the risk of infection when safety protocols are not followed.
Previous outbreaks, including one in 2019, have also been linked to similar practices.
Long-term impact on affected children
Children diagnosed with HIV now face not only medical challenges but also social stigma.
Families report that affected children are often isolated, with others avoiding contact due to fear and misunderstanding about the disease.
Despite the challenges, some, like Asma, remain determined to build a future, with dreams of becoming doctors themselves.
Calls for urgent reform
The Pakistan HIV outbreak has intensified calls for stricter enforcement of medical safety standards and better training for healthcare workers.
Authorities say measures have been introduced, but investigators warn that without sustained oversight and resources, similar incidents could occur again.
Source: BBC
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