HIV cases are rising at an alarming pace in Sindh, with hundreds of new infections reported in just three months, including a significant number of children, according to hospital authorities.
HIV infections continue to increase across Sindh, with 894 people diagnosed in the first three months of the year, health officials confirmed.
Out of these cases, 332 men, 204 women and 29 transgender individuals were among those infected, highlighting the widespread nature of the outbreak.
Hundreds of children affected
A particularly concerning trend is the growing number of children affected by HIV.
A total of 329 children under the age of 14 have been diagnosed with the virus this year alone. Among them, 188 are boys and 141 are girls, according to hospital data.
The spread of HIV has remained consistent throughout the first quarter of the year. Authorities reported 294 cases in January, followed by 324 cases in February and 276 cases in March, indicating sustained transmission across the province.
Unsafe medical practices
Health experts have identified unsafe syringes and contaminated blood transfusions as the main causes behind the rising number of HIV infections in Sindh.
These unsafe practices continue to pose serious risks, particularly in areas where healthcare standards and monitoring are weak.
Nearly 100 HIV cases have also been reported at a single hospital in Sindh, underscoring the severity of the situation at the local level. Hospital authorities warn that without stricter controls and public awareness, the number of infections could continue to rise.
Urgent need for preventive measures
The rising HIV cases signal an urgent need for improved healthcare practices, stricter regulation of medical procedures, and widespread awareness campaigns.
Experts stress that ensuring safe injection practices and screened blood transfusions will be critical to controlling the spread of HIV in Sindh.
