A large number of children in Pakistan have been diagnosed with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) following treatment at a public healthcare facility. Reports confirm that 331 children tested positive for HIV between November 2024 and October 2025 at a Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) Hospital in Taunsa, Punjab. The cluster of cases raised concerns after an unusual increase in pediatric infections was identified by a local doctor.
An undercover investigation by BBC News revealed serious infection control lapses at THQ Hospital in Taunsa, Pakistan, where healthcare workers were recorded reusing syringes on pediatric patients. The footage documented multiple breaches of hygiene protocols, including the use of the same medical equipment for different patients, which has been associated with a wider surge in HIV cases linked to unsafe clinical practices.
The outbreak was traced to Taunsa, a city in Punjab province, Pakistan. The infections were recorded over nearly one year, beginning in late 2024 and continuing into 2025.
The incident drew wider attention following the death of eight-year-old Mohammad Amin, whose family claims he acquired HIV due to contaminated injections administered at the hospital. His sister has also been reported to test positive for the infection.
His mother reported that he experienced high fever and severe pain during his final days, and she is HIV negative.
Among 97 families screened, only four mothers tested positive for HIV, further raising concerns that unsafe medical practices may have played a significant role in the outbreak.
Dr Gul Qaisrani, a physician working at a private clinic in the area, first identified the outbreak in late 2024 after observing an increasing number of children visiting his clinic who were testing positive for HIV.
An investigation by BBC News identified at least 331 children in Taunsa who tested positive for HIV between November 2024 and October 2025.
The majority of those affected are children who had visited the hospital for common illnesses or routine treatment. In several instances, more than one child from the same family tested positive. Reports indicate that these children had no history of blood transfusions or mother-to-child transmission, which are common routes of HIV infection
Investigations, including undercover documentation by BBC News, revealed serious breaches in infection control practices within the hospital. Healthcare workers were seen reusing syringes and drawing medicines from shared vials using previously used equipment. This practice can allow infected blood to contaminate syringes or medication vials, leading to transmission when used on other patients.
As reported by BBC News, Dr. Altaf Ahmed, a consultant microbiologist and one of Pakistan's leading infectious disease experts.
Even if they have attached a new needle, the back part, which we call the syringe body, has the virus in it, so it will transfer even with a new needle.
Dr. Altaf Ahmed, Consultant Microbiologist, Infectious Disease Expert
The outbreak has been linked to unsafe medical practices, particularly the reuse of injection equipment and poor adherence to sterilization protocols. Additional lapses reported include lack of proper glove use, unsafe disposal of medical waste, and inadequate hygiene measures in treatment areas. These conditions increase the risk of transmission of blood-borne infections such as HIV and hepatitis B and C.
In one alarming instance, a nurse was observed picking up a previously used syringe that still contained residual fluid and passing it to another staff member, seemingly for reuse. “She is violating every principle of injecting medicine,” said Dr. Ahmed, as reported by BBC News.
Additional footage highlighted inadequate sanitation practices, such as open medication vials, used needles left on work surfaces, and improper disposal of medical waste. Parents also reported observing similar unsafe practices, including the reuse of syringes for multiple patients.
Despite the findings, hospital authorities have rejected the allegations. Dr. Qasim Buzdar, the hospital's new medical superintendent, raised doubts about the credibility of the footage, suggesting it could have been staged or captured prior to his tenure. He stated that the hospital is safe for patients and emphasized that maintaining infection control standards is a primary focus. However, the scale of infections has prompted broader concern about healthcare safety standards and monitoring mechanisms.
Local authorities have stated that there is no definitive proof directly connecting the hospital to the outbreak. A joint evaluation by UNICEF, World Health Organization, and the regional health department identified multiple potential sources of infection, including private healthcare facilities and unsafe blood transfusion practices.
Comparable incidents have been documented in Pakistan in recent years, including a large HIV outbreak in Ratodero, where cases exceeded 1,500, as well as another cluster in Karachi that was associated with the use of contaminated syringes.
The outbreak in Taunsa underscores the importance of basic infection control measures in healthcare. Safe injection practices, proper training of healthcare workers, and consistent monitoring are critical to protecting patients, especially children, from preventable infections like HIV.
(Rh/SS)
