A BBC undercover investigation in Taunsa district, Punjab, filmed healthcare staff reusing syringes, mishandling multi-dose medicine vials and not following sterilisation steps. Local outbreaks of hundreds of HIV cases were linked to these unsafe injection practices.
Health officials say HIV is now rising among women and children with no known risks. The WHO reports new infections rose from 16,000 in 2010 to 48,000 in 2024. The government banned reusable syringes, but they are still widely available and used because enforcement is weak.
Difficult words
- investigation — a careful study to find facts or evidence
- undercover — done secretly to catch wrong behaviour
- reuse — to use something again after first usereusing
- sterilisation — process to make medical tools clean and safe
- outbreak — a sudden increase in disease casesoutbreaks
- enforcement — action to make people follow a rule
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What problems can happen when syringes are reused?
- What could local officials do to stop unsafe injection practices?
- How might families feel if there is an outbreak in their area?
Related articles
Drug‑resistant Salmonella in children’s food and water in Karamoja
A peer‑reviewed study found drug‑resistant Salmonella in nearly half of food and water consumed by under‑fives in Karamoja. High resistance to azithromycin and other drugs raises health, economic and development concerns.
Ancestral healing in the Caribbean
Ancestral healing asks societies to face historical wounds so people can live healthier lives. In the Caribbean, educators combine shamanic practices, nervous-system work and cultural rituals with scientific findings about trauma and community care.
