HIV Outbreak In Karachi Raises Healthcare Concerns

Karachi: More than 100 children from a single neighbourhood in Karachi have tested positive for HIV over the past nine months, prompting alarm among health experts and residents about shortcomings in the city’s healthcare system.

The children are being treated at Valika Hospital in the SITE area of Karachi, where doctors confirmed a surge in cases. Local residents reported that at least nine children have died from the infection over the past year.

Former World Health Organization director Dr Zafar Mirza said the outbreak underscores serious weaknesses in healthcare governance, oversight and management, rather than just a medical issue. He pointed out that disposable syringes are still being reused illegally in some areas, increasing the risk of HIV and other blood‑borne infections.

Dr Mirza urged authorities to strengthen the blood screening system, noting that blood should be tested for HIV, hepatitis and other infections before transfusions a step he said is often not followed. He also criticised officials for prioritising media portrayal of the outbreak over addressing its root causes.

Healthcare workers and advocacy groups are calling for immediate investigation into the source of infections, accountability for lapses, and improvements in infection control practices to prevent further cases.

Source: ARY News