Key Takeaways
- Over 120 residents near Karachi's Valika Hospital test positive for HIV.
- Minister Ghani vows to continue screening despite rising cases.
- 78 children confirmed infected; six deaths reported.
Following an outbreak of HIV at the Sindh Employees Social Security Institution (SESSI)-run Valika Hospital, more than 10,500 residents living in the vicinity of the health facility in SITE have been screened for the virus since October 2025. The screening drive was initiated by the health department’s Communicable Disease Control (CDC) unit after receiving a letter from Valika Hospital on October 22, 2025.
Sindh Labour Minister Saeed Ghani announced that out of the 10,500 people tested, 120 individuals have been found to be HIV positive. Additionally, a separate screening was conducted at another SESSI-run hospital in Landhi, where 2,000 people were tested and 10 of them were found infected with HIV.
The minister stated that the government will not suspend the screening drive due to fear of more cases emerging. 'We will not suspend screening out of fear that more cases may emerge,' he said. 'The government will take full responsibility for all newly identified patients.'
Minister Ghani also shared findings from two inquiries into the HIV outbreak at Valika Hospital, which confirmed 78 HIV-positive children and six deaths. He added that these children are being treated at five leading hospitals, including Indus Hospital, Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), and Dow University of Health Sciences.
To address the long-term needs of the affected children, a standing committee of leading medical experts has been constituted to supervise both treatment strategy and management. A Rs2 billion endowment fund has also been set up for their long-term treatment. 'This is a long-term disease and requires a long-term solution,' he said.
The minister acknowledged shortcomings in the disposal of medical waste, stating that although proper mechanisms exist, some individuals ignore established protocols for personal gain. He added that action against those responsible was under way.
Ghani emphasized the government's commitment to not abandoning the victims or their families and pledged full support for all newly identified patients. 'From the outset, the provincial government pledged that it would not abandon the victims or their families,' he said.
'We will not suspend screening out of fear that more cases may emerge.'
Saeed Ghani, Sindh Labour Minister
'This is a long-term disease and requires a long-term solution.'
Saeed Ghani, Sindh Labour Minister
