Valika Hospital HIV Outbreak: Six Children Die

Karachi – (Staff Reporter/Web Desk) – Valika Hospital HIV outbreak has claimed the lives of six children, Sindh Labour and Social Protection Minister Saeed Ghani confirmed on Tuesday. He shared the update during a press conference in Karachi.

Ghani said the provincial government will not turn its back on the affected families. He added that officials are working closely with health experts, including specialists from private hospitals, to manage the crisis.

According to government data shared by the minister, at least 78 children have tested positive for HIV linked to Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital. He warned that this number could still climb as the investigation continues.

Health teams have already screened more than 10,500 people living near the hospital. Out of these, 120 people tested positive for HIV. However, Ghani made it clear that not every positive case can be directly linked to the hospital yet.

To make the investigation more organized, experts have helped create a new standard form. This form will collect detailed patient information and help officials trace exactly how the outbreak spread.

Ghani also spoke about action taken against hospital staff. Show-cause notices have been sent to 10 people connected to the case. A separate inquiry committee was also formed on the orders of the ombudsman.

That committee submitted its findings on June 19. Following the report, provincial authorities suspended 37 employees who were named directly in the investigation.

The minister stressed that treatment for HIV-positive children never stopped, even while the inquiry was ongoing. He also said patient identities have been kept strictly private throughout the process.

“If a family learns that its child has tested HIV-positive, it is natural for them to be deeply concerned,” Ghani said, acknowledging the emotional toll on parents.

This update comes just days after the confirmed case count linked to the SESSI-run hospital rose to 80 children. The Sindh High Court has also asked the provincial government to explain how the outbreak happened.

Investigators are still looking into claims that used syringes were reused at the hospital, a practice that can easily spread infections like HIV if proper safety steps are ignored.

To support long-term care, the Sindh Employees’ Social Security Institution has already set aside Rs2 billion. This fund is meant to cover medical treatment and welfare support for the children affected by the outbreak.

Parents in the area say the emotional and social impact goes beyond medical treatment. Many affected families report facing stigma in their communities, adding another layer of difficulty to an already painful situation.

As the case continues to develop, officials say more updates are expected once further screening results and inquiry findings are reviewed. Families affected by the outbreak are being urged to cooperate with health teams as testing continues in the surrounding areas.