HIV cases in children raise serious concerns

HIV cases in children in Karachi are on the rise as more than 200 children have tested positive for the disease.

According to reports, nine children have died while receiving treatment for the virus.

The issue first emerged in November last year when 15 children at Karachi's Kulsum Bai Valika Hospital tested positive for HIV.

Since then, the number of confirmed cases has continued to increase, raising concerns about infection prevention practices within healthcare facilities

Interviews conducted by Dialogue Pakistan with affected families revealed that several parents had little or no understanding of HIV or how the virus is transmitted.

One parent explained that their child was repeatedly admitted to hospital with fever and severe anaemia, requiring multiple blood transfusions. Despite ongoing treatment, the child's condition did not improve, and subsequent tests confirmed an HIV diagnosis.

Speaking on the issue with Dialogue Pakistan, infectious disease specialist Dr Fatima Mir described HIV as a lifelong viral infection that can be effectively managed through continuous antiretroviral treatment.

She explained that, in children, HIV is generally acquired through one of three routes: transmission from an untreated HIV-positive mother during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding; transfusion of infected blood; or exposure to contaminated needles or syringes.

Dr Mir emphasised that, with appropriate medication, the virus can be suppressed to very low levels, allowing individuals to live healthy lives. However, lifelong treatment remains essential.

Several parents alleged that unsafe injection practices may have contributed to the spread of infection.

According to their accounts, children referred to the hospital for treatment regularly received injections, intravenous drips and antibiotics. Some parents claimed they had observed healthcare staff using the same syringe or injection equipment on multiple patients, raising concerns over compliance with infection prevention protocols.

These allegations have not been independently verified.

Dr Mir drew parallels with the 2019 HIV outbreak in Larkana, where investigations found that only around one-quarter of infected children had acquired the virus from their mothers.

The majority of cases were linked to repeated exposure to unsafe medical injections in hospitals and private clinics.

She noted that the outbreak highlighted the critical importance of safe injection practices and strict infection control measures within healthcare settings.