Health

Sindh sees 894 new HIV cases in first quarter of 2026

KARACHI: Sindh has reported 894 new HIV cases in the first three months of 2026, a rise that has raised serious public health concerns and highlighted ongoing gaps in infection prevention and control across the province, as officials confirmed.

According to data from the Sindh Health Department, the newly reported cases comprise 329 children under the age of 14, 332 men, 204 women, and 29 transgender individuals, The News reported.

Health experts warn that the rising numbers reflect systemic weaknesses in healthcare safety and regulatory oversight, particularly in major urban centres such as Karachi.

A month-wise breakdown of cases shows that 294 new HIV infections were recorded in January 2026, followed by 324 in February and 276 in March, underscoring the continued spread of the virus across the province.

Seven years after the devastating HIV outbreak in Ratodero in April 2019, which infected hundreds of children and exposed unsafe medical practices, experts say the persistence of new infections indicates that critical deficiencies in the healthcare system remain largely unaddressed.

Public health specialists attribute the continued spread of HIV primarily to poor infection prevention and control measures. These include the reuse of intravenous drips, used cannulas and syringes, unsterilised medical equipment, and the transfusion of unscreened blood — the practices that continue to endanger patients, particularly children.

Healthcare professionals acknowledge that such unsafe practices persist in both public and private healthcare facilities due to weak enforcement of regulations and inadequate monitoring. Experts stress that strict adherence to infection control protocols is essential to curb the spread of the virus.

An infectious diseases specialist at a private healthcare facility in Karachi described the situation as deeply alarming. “We are witnessing a steady increase in HIV cases across Sindh, including a disturbing number among children. Weak infection control standards and unsafe medical practices remain key drivers behind the spread of the virus,” the expert said.

Referring to the nature of detection, the specialist added: “Many of these cases are diagnosed incidentally. When paediatricians encounter children with recurrent infections, unexplained weight loss or weakened immunity, they screen them for HIV. Tragically, some children succumb to complications of the disease without ever being diagnosed.”

The alarming trend gained further attention following the detection of around 100 HIV cases at the Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital in Karachi’s SITE area. In response, authorities suspended the entire paediatric department, and multiple inquiries were launched to determine the causes of the outbreak. Despite these measures, officials concede that new infections continue to surface across the province.

Of the 329 children diagnosed with HIV between January and March this year, 188 were boys, and 141 were girls under the age of 14. Experts warn that the disproportionately high number of paediatric cases indicates systemic lapses in healthcare safety and infection prevention.

Public health experts caution that unless strict infection control protocols are enforced and unsafe medical practices eliminated, Sindh may continue to witness recurring outbreaks similar to the Ratodero tragedy.

They emphasise the urgent need for routine screening of blood, sterilisation of medical equipment, elimination of syringe reuse, strengthening of regulatory oversight, and enhanced surveillance. Awareness campaigns, early diagnosis, and timely treatment are also considered essential to curb the spread of HIV among vulnerable populations.

With an average of three to four new HIV cases being diagnosed daily, the rising burden of infections serves as a stark reminder that systemic reforms promised after the Ratodero outbreak remain incomplete, leaving thousands, especially children, at risk.

Health

Punjab Launches Disease Prevention Program to Combat Major Illnesses

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved the launch of a province-wide “Disease Prevention Program” aimed at controlling the spread of major life-threatening illnesses.

The initiative will focus on preventing diseases such as diabetes, tuberculosis (TB), HIV/AIDS and hepatitis, alongside a large-scale public awareness campaign to educate citizens about prevention and treatment.

The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by the chief minister, where officials briefed her on the program’s objectives and implementation strategy.

Maryam Nawaz directed authorities to strictly enforce health standard operating procedures (SOPs) in public hospitals to prevent outbreaks and improve patient safety.

She also instructed the Punjab Healthcare Commission to ensure compliance with SOPs in private hospitals and clinics.

In addition, the chief minister ordered strict legal action against quack doctors operating across the province, stressing the need to eliminate unsafe medical practices.

She highlighted the importance of public awareness, noting that early detection of symptoms can play a key role in preventing serious complications and saving lives.

Officials said the program aims to strengthen preventive healthcare, reduce disease burden, and promote healthier communities across Punjab.

Health

Drug Testing Lab Bans Multiple Medicine Batches

Islamabad: The Drug Testing Laboratory has declared several batches of medicines unsafe and banned their use after they failed quality tests.

According to officials, multiple tablets, syrups, and injections were found to be substandard during testing.

These include medicines used for heart conditions, pain relief, allergies, cough, and other common treatments.

Among the drugs declared unsafe are Nitros tablets used for heart muscle treatment, Cadin painkillers, Loratadine for allergies, and Esfel cough syrup. Oratizen tablets were also found to be harmful.

Additionally, Deca Durabolin injections, commonly used for bone weakness and anaemia, have been declared unfit for use.

Other affected medicines include Cara Doba injections for blood pressure control, Efasef antibiotic injections, Meteor injections, and Mecobal injections used for vitamin B12 deficiency.

Authorities also flagged Ceforsic antibiotic injections, Sodophenac pain relief injections, and Hecobal injections as unsafe.

Health officials have directed pharmacies and healthcare providers to immediately stop the sale and use of these specific batches to prevent potential health risks.

Citizens have been advised to consult qualified medical professionals before using any medication and report any adverse effects to the relevant authorities.

Health

Balochistan Considers Tax Relief on Menstrual Health Products

Quetta: Balochistan Education Minister Raheela Durrani has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the health and dignity of women and girls through legislative reforms.

Chairing a consultative meeting, the minister discussed a proposed joint resolution to reduce or abolish taxes on menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) products across the province.

The MHM Working Group organized the session in collaboration with UNICEF Pakistan.

Officials and development partners participated in the meeting, focusing on easing financial barriers that limit access to essential health products.

Former health minister Rehmat Saleh Baloch stressed the need for cross-party consensus to ensure affordable healthcare necessities for women.

MHM Working Group chairperson Dr Tahira Kamal Umrani highlighted that reducing taxes on hygiene products is a key public health priority, particularly for marginalized communities.

Meanwhile, Abdullah Khan expressed readiness to review the proposal from an administrative perspective.

The proposed resolution seeks either a 50% reduction or a complete exemption from provincial taxes on essential hygiene products, aiming to make them accessible to vulnerable groups.

Lawmakers agreed to expedite the drafting process and present the resolution in the Balochistan Assembly.

The initiative is expected to set a strong precedent for women-focused policy reforms and improve access to basic health necessities across the province.