Over 2,000 Pakistani Children Diagnosed With HIV

ISLAMABAD: (Web Desk) – More than 2,000 children across Pakistan have been diagnosed with Human Immunodeficiency Virus over the past 15 months, raising serious concerns among health authorities. Official data shows that a total of 2,108 children have been affected, including 1,274 boys and 834 girls.

Figures from the Common Management Unit under the Ministry of National Health Services indicate that Sindh has reported the highest number of cases, with 1,515 children diagnosed. Out of these, 1,186 cases were recorded in 2025, while 329 cases emerged in the first quarter of 2026.

Punjab follows with 418 reported cases in 2025, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recorded 111 cases, including 90 last year and 21 in early 2026. Balochistan reported 38 cases, Islamabad 22, while Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan reported three and one cases respectively.

Health officials have expressed deep concern over the rising trend, particularly in Sindh, urging immediate preventive measures and stricter healthcare practices to control the spread of infections among children.

Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi Discuss Health and Legal Matters

Earlier, Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal informed the National Assembly that approximately 84,000 to 85,000 HIV patients are currently receiving treatment in Pakistan, a figure lower than earlier estimates. He also highlighted a major healthcare scandal involving the alleged use of contaminated syringes at a private hospital in Karachi, which reportedly led to thousands of child infections.

Authorities say the situation highlights the urgent need for stronger regulation of medical facilities, improved screening systems, and enhanced public awareness to prevent further spread of HIV, particularly among vulnerable groups like children.