Archive · 20 Jul 2026
HIV Outbreak in Pakistan's Sindh
In Pakistan, over 130 people, mostly children, have been diagnosed with HIV due to problems at a government hospital in Karachi.
The hospital did not follow safety rules, like using clean needles and properly disposing of medical waste.
Authorities are now treating the affected children and investigating the staff.
This outbreak is part of a bigger problem in Pakistan, where HIV cases have been increasing because of unsafe medical practices.
The government is taking steps to improve healthcare safety and punish those responsible.
Over 130 people, mostly children, have tested positive for HIV in Sindh, Pakistan, linked to negligence at Kulsum Bai Valika (KBV) Hospital.
Investigations revealed lapses in infection prevention protocols, improper use of syringes, and lack of training for hospital staff.
Authorities have moved affected individuals to leading institutions for treatment and set up a Rs2 billion fund for long-term care.
The outbreak is part of a larger issue in Pakistan, with HIV infections rising significantly due to unsafe medical practices.
The government has announced mandatory HIV screening before surgeries nationwide and is taking action against negligent staff.
- Who
- Mostly children and some adults in Sindh, Pakistan
- What
- HIV outbreak due to negligence at government-run healthcare facilities
- When
- Outbreak first noticed in November 2025, investigations ongoing
- Where
- Kulsum Bai Valika (KBV) Hospital and Landhi area in Karachi, Sindh
- Why
- Lapses in infection prevention protocols, improper handling of syringes, and lack of training for hospital staff
Government Accountability
Healthcare System Failures
Responsibility for the Outbreak
Government Accountability
The Sindh Labour Minister has accepted indirect responsibility and offered to resign if it would resolve the issue.
Healthcare System Failures
Medical experts argue that the outbreak is due to systemic failures in the healthcare system, not just individual negligence.
- Total Confirmed Cases
- 130
- Primary Location
- Kulsum Bai Valika (KBV) Hospital, Karachi
- Screening Efforts
- 10,500 people screened
- Treatment Centers
- Indus Hospital, AKUH, Dow University of Health Sciences
- Fund for Treatment
- Rs2 billion endowment fund
- Number of Staff Noticed
- 37 doctors and hospital employees
- HIV Infections in Pakistan (2010-2024)
- Increased from 16,000 to 48,000
- Children with HIV (2010-2023)
- Increased from 530 to 1,800