Key Takeaways
- The Sindh health department has established a network of 44 antiretroviral therapy centres.
- This follows an HIV outbreak at Valika Hospital, which treated 120 affected children.
- Screening and treatment are free for all diagnosed patients.
The Sindh health department has expanded its network of antiretroviral therapy (ART) centres to combat a recent HIV outbreak among children at Valika Hospital, run by SESSI. The move comes after an independent inquiry was sought following the incident.
In a report submitted before the Sindh High Court, the health department stated that it had set up 44 ART centres across the province under its communicable disease control program to curb the spread of HIV.
The petition filed by Advocate Tariq Mansoor demanded an independent inquiry, criminal action, lifelong treatment and compensation for affected children. The respondents named included the chief secretary, health secretary, SESSI, hospital’s medical superintendent, DRAP, IGP, Sindh Child Protection Authority, and others.
Valika Hospital is managed by the labour and human resources department under SESSI, while the CDC programme operates under the health department. The outbreak was detected on October 27, 2025, leading to the immediate establishment of an ART centre at the hospital.
Since then, officials have screened 10,474 people, identified 120 HIV cases and enrolled all diagnosed patients for free treatment, counselling, and follow-up care. The Sindh Healthcare Commission inspected the hospital twice and found deficiencies in infection prevention, control, and general administration.
The health department emphasized that it had fulfilled its legal and public health responsibilities by providing surveillance, screening, and free treatment to stop further transmission of HIV. It also noted that SESSI and the labour department remain responsible for hospital administration.
In response to the court’s directive, the IGP and other respondents were directed to submit their comments by August 11. The court took the report on record and ordered a thorough investigation into the matter.
