Families of HIV-Infected Children Face Stigma After Alleged Syringe Reuse at Karachi Hospital

Karachi:Families of children who allegedly contracted HIV due to the reuse of contaminated or improperly handled syringes at Karachi’s Kulsum Bai Valika Hospital say they are now battling not only a life-threatening illness but also widespread social discrimination.
Parents told local media that their lives have been turned upside down, with many struggling to afford treatment while facing rejection from landlords, schools, and members of their communities.
Ayesha Kamran, a resident of Ittehad Town, said her family was asked to vacate their rented home after the landlord learned that her son had been diagnosed with HIV. She added that her husband has been unable to work regularly because of the child’s medical treatment and fears losing his job if he continues taking leave.
Another parent, Muhammad Asif from Pathan Colony, said his four-year-old daughter was taken to the hospital for a minor illness six months ago but was later diagnosed with HIV. He said neighborhood children have been discouraged from playing with her, leaving her isolated at home or in the hospital.
Aftab Khan, a resident of Orangi Town, alleged that all four of his children were infected after receiving injections from the same syringe at the hospital. He claimed his daughter questioned the practice but was ignored by medical staff. He also said his son was expelled from school after parents objected to the child’s attendance because of his HIV status.
Human rights advocate Zulfiqar Bhutto Jr., who is involved in HIV awareness campaigns across Sindh, said children living with HIV are legally protected from discrimination under the **Sindh Anti-Discrimination Act**. He stressed that schools cannot lawfully expel students solely because they have a chronic illness such as HIV.
Bhutto said awareness campaigns are being conducted in Hyderabad, Dadu, Larkana, and Karachi to educate the public about HIV and reduce stigma. He emphasized that HIV does **not** spread through casual contact or touching and called for stricter enforcement of safe syringe practices in healthcare facilities.
According to official sources, around **200 children** have been identified as affected by the HIV outbreak linked to the alleged reuse of syringes at Kulsum Bai Valika Hospital. However, affected families claim the actual number of infected children may have reached **1,000**. These figures remain disputed and have not been independently verified.
Health authorities continue to investigate the incident, while affected families are demanding accountability and stronger safeguards to prevent similar outbreaks in the future.