KARACHI — In a deeply troubling development, eight children from Karachi’s SITE area have tested positive for HIV, raising fresh concerns about the spread of the deadly virus through unsafe medical practices.
The cases were confirmed at the Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital, where the children were initially brought in with symptoms including high fever, chest congestion, diarrhoea, and constipation. According to hospital officials, tests later revealed that all eight were HIV positive a finding that has sparked alarm among both health authorities and the local community.
Dr. Mumtaz Sheikh, Medical Superintendent of the hospital, said the majority of the affected children belonged to Pathan Colony, a densely populated neighbourhood near the hospital. He expressed serious concern over the presence of untrained and unregistered practitioners in the area.
“There are several quacks operating without any medical certification or hygiene standards,” Dr. Sheikh said. “Their careless and unhygienic practices are putting innocent lives at risk. These children may have contracted the virus due to unsafe injections or reused medical instruments.”
The hospital administration has formally written to the Sindh Healthcare Commission (SHCC), urging it to take immediate action against illegal clinics and self-proclaimed doctors operating in the vicinity.
Dr. Sheikh further confirmed that while no deaths have been reported so far, the situation remains critical. The hospital has already notified the Communicable Disease Control (CDC) Programme, which has begun HIV testing in nearby localities to prevent further spread.
“All eight children were discharged after initial treatment,” he added. “Our medical teams are conducting active surveillance and community awareness sessions to ensure the virus does not spread further.”
Health officials say the SITE area and its neighbouring localities have long suffered from unregulated medical practices, with many residents relying on unlicensed clinics due to poverty and lack of awareness. Experts warn that unless strict action is taken, similar outbreaks could surface again.
