Public health experts warn that Pakistan’s growing HIV problem is increasingly driven by unsafe medical care. An undercover BBC investigation in Taunsa district showed syringes being reused, multi-dose vials mishandled and sterilisation procedures ignored. Local outbreaks of hundreds of cases have been linked to these practices.
HIV was once concentrated in groups such as intravenous drug users and sex workers, but infections are now rising among women and children with no known exposure. Baseer Achakzai, national technical advisor for HIV/AIDS, noted this shift. WHO data show new infections rose by 200% over 15 years, from 16,000 in 2010 to 48,000 in 2024, and an estimated 350,000 people in Pakistan live with HIV, most unaware of their status.
Clinicians report many paediatric cases are iatrogenic, acquired during medical care. Experts call for single-use syringes, better infection-control monitoring, mandatory blood screening and action against unlicensed practitioners.
Difficult words
- undercover — done in secret to gather information
- sterilisation — process that makes medical tools free of germs
- outbreak — sudden increase in disease casesoutbreaks
- iatrogenic — caused by medical treatment or medical errors
- single-use — intended for one use then thrown away
- infection-control — measures to prevent spread of infections
- unlicensed — not officially permitted to practice or operate
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Which of the actions named in the article (single-use syringes, better infection-control monitoring, mandatory blood screening, action against unlicensed practitioners) do you think would help most, and why?
- How could clinics start to change practices quickly to reduce medical transmission of HIV? Give one or two practical steps.
- Why might many people with HIV be unaware of their status, and what could increase testing and awareness in the community?
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