Hundreds of Children Test HIV Positive Across Sindh

News Desk

Karachi: The increasing number of HIV cases among children in Sindh has raised concerns among health experts, with officials reporting that 729 children have tested positive for the virus during the first six months of 2026.

According to sources in the Sindh Health Department, more than 90 percent of HIV cases reported among children across Pakistan during this period were recorded in Sindh, including Karachi.

The reported cases include 447 boys and 282 girls. Data shows that the highest number of child HIV cases was recorded in June, when 171 children were diagnosed with the virus. Earlier, 125 cases were reported in January, 117 in February, 87 in March, 121 in April, and 108 in May.

Health experts have termed the situation alarming, stating that the spread of HIV among children cannot be linked only to mother-to-child transmission. They pointed out that unsafe medical practices, including improper injection use and weak infection control measures, may also be contributing factors.

Experts have called for stricter monitoring of private and unregistered clinics, along with expanded HIV screening facilities for children at hospitals across the province.

Sources said the Sindh Health Department has approached the AIDS Control Program several times seeking details and an official position on the rising number of cases. However, the concerned authorities have so far not provided statistics or a formal response.

Health professionals stressed the need for immediate preventive measures, improved surveillance, and stronger healthcare safety protocols to control the spread of HIV among children in Sindh.