More than 100 children in Nawabshah have tested positive for HIV since July, according to the Sindh Health Department. The spike in cases has been linked to illegal blood banks and unqualified medical practitioners providing unscreened blood transfusions.
Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Pechuho was briefed on the situation earlier this week. She ordered the immediate sealing of illegal blood banks and the arrest of individuals involved in unsafe medical practices. Authorities are also investigating private clinics operating without proper registration.
Health teams have launched screening campaigns in high-risk areas, focusing on children who recently received blood transfusions. Officials have asked families to bring their children in for voluntary testing and have promised to connect all positive cases to antiretroviral treatment.
The outbreak in Nawabshah raises concerns similar to the 2019 Ratodero crisis, when hundreds of children were infected under comparable circumstances. Experts warn that poor regulation, syringe reuse, and lack of oversight continue to pose serious risks in parts of Sindh.
The Sindh Blood Transfusion Authority has been tasked with auditing all blood facilities in Nawabshah and the surrounding districts. Any non-compliant or unregistered centers will face permanent closure and legal action.
The provincial government says it is committed to curbing the spread of HIV and protecting vulnerable children through strict enforcement and public health intervention.
