Health experts warn of increase in pediatric HIV cases

Karachi hospitals face a sharp rise in child HIV cases.

Three major centers report big jumps over nine months. Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital admits 10 kids in 2024. Numbers climb to over 70 in 2025. This year alone sees 30 young patients already. Indus Hospital logs 144 cases in 2024. That grows to 176 last year. First quarter of 2026 hits 69 fresh ones. Another top children’s hospital counts over 60 kids. Many hail from Thatta and inner Sindh spots.

Unsafe medical steps spark most infections. Doctors like Dr. Samreen Sarfaraz point to dirty syringes and tools. Reused needles pass the virus fast. Unchecked blood transfusions add big risks too. Kids under five make up 68% of new cases at Indus since August 2025. Few tie to infected moms. Most link to clinic visits and shots. Overuse of injections beats pills every time. This bad habit ups danger for little ones.

Experts slam weak safety nets. Ratodero’s 2019 outbreak taught harsh lessons. Gaps stay wide in germ control and needle swaps. Kids show up late with tough issues like TB. Treatment fights drug shortages hard. USAID aid cuts leave antiretroviral stocks low. Anti-TB meds run thin too. Pre-surgery checks catch hidden cases quick.

Health teams blame better spotting for some rises. Sindh Healthcare Commission and Blood Authority push rules tight. They aim to stop sloppy practices cold. Pakistan battles one of Asia’s fastest HIV climbs. National Injection Safety Plan demands full force now.

Parents panic as numbers soar high. Kids need clean care and quick drugs. Clinics must swap needles fresh each time. Safe blood flows save young lives big. Awareness cuts risks in rural clinics. Government steps up funds and checks fast. Families stay alert for early signs. Strong action shields tomorrow’s stars from silent threats.