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?
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