Child HIV outbreak linked to syringe reuse at Pakistani hospital

A significant HIV outbreak affecting children has been linked to unsafe medical practices at a government hospital in Taunsa, Punjab, Pakistan.

Investigations have revealed that syringes were reused on multi-dose vials, potentially contaminating medicines and spreading the virus among patients.

Between November 2024 and October 2025, 331 children tested positive for HIV in Taunsa city.

The outbreak was traced back to THQ Taunsa hospital, where unsafe injection practices were documented despite previous warnings and administrative actions.

The hospital's medical superintendent was suspended in March 2025 following the initial identification of the outbreak.

However, undercover filming conducted later that year exposed continued reuse of syringes and poor infection control measures.

During 32 hours of undercover filming at THQ Taunsa in late 2025, syringes were reused on multi-dose vials on ten separate occasions, with medicine from the same vial administered to different children in four cases.

Experts explained that even when needles are changed, the syringe body can retain the virus, making reuse highly dangerous.

Staff were also observed administering injections without sterile gloves 66 times and mishandling medical waste, indicating broader lapses in infection control training.

This outbreak is critical as it highlights ongoing risks in healthcare settings, particularly in resource-limited environments where infection control protocols may not be strictly enforced.

The transmission of HIV through contaminated injections poses a severe public health threat.

What remains unclear is the extent to which these unsafe practices have continued beyond late 2025 and what further measures will be implemented to prevent future outbreaks.

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