Alarming Surge in HIV Cases In Sindh, Pakistan: Monthly Average Hits 260 In Children

Sindh is witnessing an alarming rise in HIV cases, with an average of 260 people diagnosed each month, according to health officials. Disturbingly, 10% to 15% of these new cases are children under the age of 12. Major hotspots include Larkana, Hyderabad, Mirpur Khas, and Karachi, with a notable outbreak in Mirpur Khas recently reported.

In the first five months of 2024, 1,304 new HIV cases were recorded, underscoring the severity of the situation. The highest monthly count was in May, with 293 new diagnoses. The Sindh health department has linked the transmission among children to several factors, including the reuse of syringes and IV drips by unqualified practitioners, poor infection prevention and control measures, tainted blood transfusions, and mother-to-child transmission.

Why This Matters: Mirpur Khas has seen a significant outbreak, with 20 children diagnosed over the past six months at the Civil Hospital’s nutrition stabilization center. Deputy Director General of Communicable Disease Control (CDC) of the Sindh Health Department, Dr. Zulfiqar Dharejo, confirmed that two of these children have died, while the remaining 18 are undergoing antiretroviral therapy (ART).

The Sindh health department, alongside the Common Management Unit (CMU) for AIDS, TB, and Malaria in Islamabad, is closely monitoring the situation. The data reveals a troubling pattern: January and February saw 257 new cases each month, followed by 258 in March, 239 in April, and 293 in May. This consistent increase highlights the need for urgent interventions to curb the spread of HIV in the province.

An alarming increase in HIV cases in Sindh, averaging 260 per month, with children particularly affected. Poor medical practices and lack of infection control are primary causes. Urgent measures are needed to manage this escalating health issue.

Efforts to combat this crisis include enhancing infection control practices, ensuring safe blood transfusions, and expanding education and awareness campaigns about HIV prevention. However, addressing the root causes, such as the use of contaminated medical equipment and lack of qualified healthcare practitioners, is critical to reversing the trend.

Key Takeaways:

• Sindh records 260 new HIV cases monthly, 10%-15% are children.
• Major hotspots: Larkana, Hyderabad, Mirpur Khas, and Karachi.
• Inadequate infection control and unqualified practitioners drive HIV spread.
• Mirpur Khas outbreak: 20 children diagnosed, 2 fatalities.
• Urgent interventions needed to curb HIV spread in Sindh.