An HIV outbreak at a government-run hospital in Pakistan's largest city, Karachi, has resulted in the deaths of six children and infected at least 94 others over the past eight months, prompting an official investigation into the circumstances surrounding the spread of the virus.
Health authorities in Sindh province confirmed on Wednesday that the outbreak was first detected in November 2025 at Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital, a healthcare facility operated by the Sindh Employees Social Security Institution (SESSI). Since then, dozens of children receiving treatment at the hospital have tested positive for HIV, raising serious concerns about infection control practices and patient safety.
Sindh Health Secretary Tahir Hussain Sangi said the provincial health department launched an inquiry after the outbreak came to light on the instructions of the health ministry. Officials examined hospital records and conducted an internal investigation to determine the extent of the infections and identify possible lapses.
"We held our own inquiry on the health ministry's orders, and the records we obtained from the hospital show that the outbreak started last November and six children have died from the HIV/AIDS virus since then," Sangi said.
According to officials, a total of 94 children have been diagnosed with HIV since the outbreak began. While many of the infected children are undergoing medical treatment and monitoring, authorities are continuing to investigate how such a large number of infections occurred within a single healthcare facility.
The inquiry is focusing on whether failures in infection prevention protocols, including the use of contaminated medical equipment, unsafe injection practices or inadequate sterilisation procedures, may have contributed to the spread of the virus. Officials have not yet released the final findings of the investigation.
The outbreak has sparked concern among parents and healthcare experts, who have called for stricter oversight of hospitals and stronger implementation of infection-control measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Medical experts note that HIV is transmitted through contact with infected blood and certain bodily fluids. In healthcare settings, adherence to strict sterilisation standards, the use of disposable syringes and proper screening of blood products are essential to preventing transmission.
Authorities have reportedly intensified screening efforts at the hospital and are tracing patients who may have been exposed during the affected period. Families of infected children are also being provided counselling and medical support as part of the government's response.
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The incident has once again highlighted Pakistan's ongoing challenges in controlling HIV infections. Although the country's overall HIV prevalence remains relatively low compared to many other regions, health experts have repeatedly warned of localized outbreaks linked to unsafe medical practices, contaminated syringes and inadequate infection-control standards.
Pakistan has witnessed several HIV outbreaks in recent years, including among children, drawing attention to weaknesses in healthcare infrastructure, disease surveillance and regulatory enforcement. Public health specialists have consistently stressed the need for stronger monitoring of medical facilities, improved awareness campaigns and stricter action against unsafe healthcare practices.
Officials said the Sindh health department is continuing its investigation and will take appropriate action if negligence or violations of medical protocols are found. They added that efforts are underway to strengthen infection-control systems across public healthcare institutions to reduce the risk of future outbreaks.
The latest outbreak has raised serious public health concerns, particularly because of the large number of children affected. Health authorities are expected to release further details as the investigation progresses, while the focus remains on ensuring treatment for infected patients, identifying the source of the infections and preventing any further spread of the virus.
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