Sindh has reported 894 new HIV cases in the first three months of 2026, including 329 children, raising serious concerns about public health and gaps in prevention measures. Officials confirmed the figures on Monday.
According to the Sindh Health Department, the new cases include 332 men, 204 women, 29 transgender individuals, and 329 children under the age of 14. Health experts say the increasing numbers show weaknesses in healthcare safety and monitoring systems, especially in major cities like Karachi.
The monthly data shows that 294 cases were reported in January, 324 in February, and 276 in March, highlighting the continued spread of HIV across the province.
An infectious diseases expert, Dr. Wasifa, has highlighted that the use of contaminated syringes, IV drips, and unsafe blood transfusions are major causes of the spread of HIV.
She also pointed out that reused razors and blades at barbershops, along with unsterilized medical instruments, are contributing to the transmission of the virus.
Dr. Wasifa explained that HIV can also be passed from an infected mother to her child. She added that the Government of Pakistan provides free medicines for HIV patients, and with proper treatment, individuals can live a healthy life. However, she noted that the advanced stage of HIV is known as AIDS.
She further said that once the HIV virus enters the human body, it weakens the immune system significantly, making a person vulnerable to multiple diseases.
