The HIV outbreak linked to Karachi's SESSI-run Valika Hospital has sparked widespread concern after dozens of children were infected, prompting legal proceedings, a large-scale screening campaign and fresh promises of accountability from the Sindh government.
Officials say 78 children have so far been confirmed HIV-positive in connection with the outbreak, while the provincial government has launched investigations, suspended hospital staff and pledged lifelong treatment for those affected.
According to official figures shared by the Sindh government, 78 children have tested positive for HIV following the outbreak linked to Valika Hospital.
The second inquiry report submitted to the provincial ombudsman on June 19, 2026 confirmed the 78 paediatric HIV cases and reported six deaths among the infected children.
Many affected families are facing lifelong challenges, with reports indicating that in some households, two or even three children have contracted the virus. Parents have also expressed fears about future social stigma, discrimination and the impact of public attitudes toward HIV patients.
More than 10,500 people screened
Sindh Labour Minister Saeed Ghani said the provincial health department's Communicable Disease Control (CDC) unit launched a screening campaign on October 23, 2025, a day after receiving a letter from Valika Hospital regarding the outbreak.
Since then, more than 10,500 residents living around the hospital in Karachi's SITE area have been screened, with 120 people testing positive for HIV.
A separate screening drive at another SESSI-run hospital in Landhi tested around 2,000 people, where 10 HIV-positive cases were identified.
The minister stressed that the government would continue screening despite rising case numbers.
"We will not suspend screening out of fear that more cases may emerge. The government will take full responsibility for all newly identified patients," he said.
Govt says treatment being provided
According to Saeed Ghani, all 120 individuals who tested positive are receiving treatment at the government's expense. He added that all 78 affected children are being treated at five major healthcare institutions, including Indus Hospital, Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) and Dow University of Health Sciences.
The government has also established a Rs2 billion endowment fund to support the long-term treatment of affected children. A standing committee comprising leading medical experts will oversee both the treatment strategy and the management of the fund.
"This is a long-term disease and requires a long-term solution," Ghani said, adding that the provincial government remains committed to supporting every affected family.
Investigation reveals negligence allegations
The outbreak has placed Valika Hospital under intense scrutiny after allegations emerged regarding infection control and medical waste management.
According to the petition filed before the Sindh High Court, used injections were allegedly reused at the hospital, contributing to the spread of HIV.
Authorities also acknowledged shortcomings in medical waste disposal. Instead of properly destroying medical waste, some waste was allegedly discarded at garbage dumps despite an established disposal mechanism.
The labour minister admitted that certain individuals ignored standard disposal protocols for personal gain and confirmed that action against those responsible is underway.
Officials promise strict legal action
Saeed Ghani announced that cases would be registered against those found responsible for negligence. He said disciplinary measures, including dismissals, FIRs, imprisonment and other legal action, would be taken once investigations are completed.
The minister confirmed that 37 individuals, including the medical superintendent (MS) and hospital staff, have already faced suspension or show-cause notices.
Further action will follow after completion of the inquiry, he added.
Minister accepts responsibility
During a press conference in Karachi alongside Indus Hospital Chief Executive Dr Abdul Bari and AKUH infectious disease expert Dr Faisal Mahmood, Saeed Ghani accepted indirect responsibility for the crisis.
"I take responsibility for the spread of the virus," he said.
Responding to questions about his own position, Ghani added that if his resignation could resolve the issue, he would have no objection and would discuss the matter with the provincial leadership.
He also clarified that all hospital-linked infections originated before October 2025 and said no new case associated with Valika Hospital had emerged since then, while screening continues in affected communities.
Sindh High Court seeks report
The HIV outbreak has also reached the Sindh High Court. The court has directed the Sindh government to submit a detailed report within two weeks regarding the outbreak and the ongoing investigations.
According to the petition, the provincial government was accused of gross negligence and carelessness over the handling of infection control at the hospital.
The court is expected to decide the matter after receiving responses from all parties.
Saeed Ghani said a dedicated data collection system has been introduced to gather evidence while ensuring investigations remain confidential to protect affected families.
He cited the Sindh HIV Control Act, which mandates the confidentiality of patients' identities to shield them from social stigma.
The minister also criticised what he described as the sensationalisation of the issue by some political and social figures, saying such actions could expose affected families to unnecessary hardship.
Medical experts call for stronger infection control
Dr Faisal Mahmood of Aga Khan University Hospital said the problem extends beyond a single locality, noting that HIV cases have also emerged from other areas where infection-control lapses were observed, particularly in some private clinics.
He said many affected patients had a history of receiving treatment at private healthcare facilities.
Dr Abdul Bari of Indus Hospital stressed that Pakistan continues to face a significant burden of HIV and Hepatitis C.
He urged healthcare providers to strictly ensure the use of new syringes in clinics and hospitals, saying stronger infection-control practices are essential to preventing future outbreaks.
For many affected families, the HIV outbreak has become a lifelong tragedy.
Parents continue to demand justice and effective action against those responsible while hoping their children receive the long-term medical care and support they need.
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