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
Gagandeep Kang on Vaccines, Surveillance and Child Health in India
Gagandeep Kang, a leading expert on enteric diseases, urges India to prepare tools to prevent viral outbreaks. She helped develop indigenous rotavirus vaccines, built surveillance networks and now works at the Gates Foundation.
Local climate adaptation must be central to African planning
A new study warns that locally led climate adaptation must be part of national planning in Africa. It says efforts are fragmented, underfunded and often driven by external priorities, and highlights agriculture and early warning systems.
PFAS exposure weakens adults’ immune response
New research finds that PFAS chemicals in products and contaminated drinking water can reduce antibody production in adults, making the immune response to a new virus weaker. The study highlights risks for some groups and supports water regulation.