HIV Outbreak in Pakistan Linked to Reused Needles at Hospital
An investigation has linked a rise in HIV cases among children in Taunsa, Pakistan, to unsafe medical practices at a government hospital.
Eight-year-old Mohammed Amin died after testing positive for HIV. Soon after, his sister Asma, 10, was also diagnosed. Their family believes both children were infected through contaminated needles during routine treatment at the hospital.
A BBC Eye investigation found that 331 children tested positive for HIV in the area between late 2024 and 2025.
Despite earlier promises by authorities to fix the problem, undercover filming showed hospital staff still reusing syringes and not following proper safety procedures. In some cases, the same medicine vial was used on multiple children, increasing the risk of spreading infections.
Health experts warn that even changing the needle is not enough if the syringe itself is reused, as it can still carry the virus.
The findings highlight serious gaps in infection control and medical safety at the hospital.
