More than 100 children in Nawabshah have tested positive for HIV, according to the Sindh Health Department. The alarming increase in cases has been linked to unsafe medical practices, including illegal blood banks and unqualified doctors providing unscreened blood transfusions.
Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Pechuho was briefed on the situation earlier this week. She ordered the immediate closure of all illegal blood banks and the arrest of individuals involved in unsafe medical operations. The minister also directed officials to investigate private clinics running without proper registration.
Health teams have started widespread HIV screening campaigns in high-risk neighborhoods, focusing on children who recently received blood transfusions. Families have been urged to bring their children for voluntary testing. Authorities assured that all positive cases will be provided with antiretroviral treatment and continuous medical care.
Experts say the latest HIV outbreak in Nawabshah resembles the 2019 Ratodero crisis, where hundreds of children were infected due to similar negligence. They warn that poor regulation, the reuse of syringes, and weak oversight still threaten public health across parts of Sindh.
The Sindh Blood Transfusion Authority has been instructed to inspect all blood banks in Nawabshah and nearby districts. Any unregistered or non-compliant facilities found operating without proper standards will be sealed permanently, and their operators will face legal action.
Provincial officials said the government is fully committed to stopping the spread of HIV in Nawabshah and ensuring safer healthcare practices across Sindh. They emphasized that strict monitoring, public awareness, and strong enforcement of health regulations are key to protecting vulnerable children from future outbreaks.
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