Families demand justice after HIV outbreak claims nine children

Families of children who contracted HIV in an alleged medical negligence incident at Karachi’s Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital have demanded the immediate registration of an FIR against those responsible. 

Furthermore, they have demanded quality medical treatment, financial compensation and the completion of the official inquiry. The demands were made during a press conference at the Karachi Press Club.

Represented by Advocate Tariq Mansoor, the families said around 200 children were infected after receiving treatment or being born at the Sindh Employees’ Social Security Institution (SESSI)-run hospital in SITE. 

They claimed that at least nine children have since died, while many survivors continue to battle recurring illnesses and social stigma.

Parents described months of unsuccessful attempts to seek justice, alleging that hospital authorities failed to provide medical records after the outbreak emerged. 

Several families said they only learned of their children's HIV status after obtaining independent tests from private laboratories, including Aga Khan University Hospital.

Advocate Mansoor urged the Sindh government to expedite and publicize the inquiry. He said that only the provincial health secretary can order an FIR under the Sindh Regulation and Control of Disposable Syringes Act, 2010.

The lawyer maintained that contaminated or repeatedly used disposable syringes were the likely source of the outbreak.

The families have also appealed to international organizations, including UNICEF and the International Labour Organization, to press the government to provide specialized treatment for the affected children.